Key Takeaways
- Kate Bush has expressed her sorrow after her friend, Matthew Upham, went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.
- Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer, was one of two men who could not be located after a large-scale rescue operation was initiated in the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton.
- The search for the missing men was stood down on Christmas Day, and inquiries are ongoing.
- Kate Bush described Matthew Upham as "one of her very dearest friends" and said he was "extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and lived life to the full".
- The incident highlights the importance of water safety, particularly during the festive season when many people engage in swimming and other water activities.
Introduction to the Incident
The Independent is committed to providing high-quality journalism, and your support enables us to continue reporting on important stories, including the recent incident in Devon where two men went missing during a Christmas Day swim. One of the missing men, Matthew Upham, was a close friend of singer Kate Bush, who has expressed her profound sorrow and described him as "one of her very dearest friends". The incident occurred in the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton, where a large-scale rescue operation was initiated after several individuals encountered difficulties in the stormy water.
The Search and Rescue Efforts
The search for the missing men was extensive, with the Coastguard conducting shoreline and offshore searches. However, despite the efforts of the emergency services, the search was stood down on Christmas Day, and inquiries are ongoing. The incident highlights the importance of water safety, particularly during the festive season when many people engage in swimming and other water activities. The local authority, East Devon District Council, has urged locals to "think twice before taking the plunge this festive season", citing cold water shock, strong currents, and unpredictable weather conditions as potential hazards.
Tributes to Matthew Upham
Kate Bush has paid tribute to her friend, describing him as "extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and lived life to the full". She also stated that Matthew Upham was a strong swimmer who had a great love for kayaking and understood the importance of respecting the sea. The family of Matthew Upham has also released a statement, expressing their heartbreak and gratitude to the emergency services for their dedication and professionalism. Friends of Matthew Upham have also paid tribute to him, describing him as "the kindest person" and "a beautiful man with the sweetest soul".
The Importance of Water Safety
The incident in Devon highlights the importance of water safety, particularly during the festive season. Many people engage in swimming and other water activities during this time, and it is essential to be aware of the potential hazards. Cold water shock, strong currents, and unpredictable weather conditions can turn a "quick dip into a serious emergency". The Coastguard and other emergency services play a critical role in responding to such incidents, and it is essential to support their efforts by being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions.
Conclusion
The incident in Devon is a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly during the festive season. The loss of Matthew Upham and the ongoing search for the other missing man are a devastating reminder of the risks associated with swimming and other water activities. Kate Bush’s tribute to her friend highlights the impact of the incident on those who knew him, and the importance of respecting the sea and its power. As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize water safety and support the efforts of emergency services to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.