Singer Kate Bush has said she is "heartbroken" after her friend went missing during a Christmas Day swim.
Antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, is still unaccounted for after a rescue operation was launched in the Devon seaside town of Budleigh in the UK on Christmas Day morning after reports that people got into difficulty during the swim.
A number of people were rescued from the stormy water and checked by paramedics or taken to hospital as a precaution, but two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were not located.
Running Up That Hill singer Bush, 67, said in a post on her website on Sunday: "As you might have heard on the news, Matthew Upham was one of the swimmers who went missing in the sea in Devon on Christmas Day.
"Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. I’d known him for 30 years.
"He was one of those people who touched everyone he met.
"He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full.
"He was also a great deal of fun.
"His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.
"Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood that the sea should be respected."
Bush added: "The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank-you Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have."
A statement posted to the Instagram account of Mr Upham’s business said his family are "heartbroken by the loss".
It added: "Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.
"We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support."
