Kate Bush has expressed her sorrow over the disappearance of a 63-year-old antiques dealer, Matthew Upham, who went missing after a Christmas Day swim. Upham, a close friend of Bush for decades, was one of the swimmers who failed to return from the water at Budleigh Salterton, Devon. Emergency services were alerted to the situation when a group of swimmers encountered difficulties in the rough sea conditions.
While several individuals were rescued, Upham and another man in his 40s remain unaccounted for. Upham’s family described him as deeply loved and forever missed. Bush, who resides in Devon, shared her heartfelt tribute, describing Upham as an extraordinarily kind and fun-loving individual who adored kayaking and respected the sea. The Coastguard and RNLI were involved in the search operation, which included helicopter and aircraft assistance, as well as police and ambulance services.
Due to adverse weather conditions, several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were canceled this year. Swimmers have been cautioned against entering the sea following the incident due to the stormy weather and freezing temperatures. The Budleigh Salterton Christmas swim, previously a charity event, has evolved into an informal gathering for local residents and some visitors.
The incident has underscored the importance of respecting the sea and staying vigilant during challenging weather conditions.