TRIBUTES have been paid to a British pilot who drowned off a Benidorm beach.
Robbie Conington, 30, has been named as the tourist who died after getting into difficulties when he took an evening dip in the sea with two friends late last Friday.
SolarpixRobbie Conington, 30, has been named as the Brit who died off the Benidorm beach[/caption]
SolarpixRobbie had links with various companies, including Echelon Air[/caption]
Crowds of people were seen gathering after a Brit tourist was found dead in BenidormFacebook
Today he was described as a “spark that ignited every room he entered” by his bosses.
Another pal called him an “incredible aviator, great friend and all-round great guy.”
News of the holiday tragedy first emerged at the weekend when Spanish police confirmed a British tourist’s body had been recovered.
They said he had gone into the sea with two friends who returned to Benidorm’s Levante Beach unharmed.
The alarm was raised around 8.30pm last Friday by witnesses who said they had seen one of the three men being swept out by the choppy waters.
Coastguards were called in to search for the missing man before his body was discovered later that night near Benidorm’s Sailing Club.
Robbie, from Biggin Hill, Kent, said on an online profile he had clocked up more than 1,300 total flying time but also worked in aircraft sales.
The adventure-loving Brit posted footage of himself on social media last November showing him parachuting out of a plane alongside the message: “Jumping into my thirties head first.”
Robbie was working for US-based Lone Mountain Aircraft when he died.
The company said in a social media tribute: “Lone Mountain Aircraft is profoundly saddened to share the news of the loss of a dear member of our sales team, gone far too soon.
“Robbie Conington, age 30 years old, was tragically taken from us in a non-aviation related accident while on vacation in Spain last Friday.
“Your prayers and thoughts toward Robbie’s surviving family and friends are greatly appreciated.
“He was a spark that ignited every room he entered and will be sorely missed by his Lone Mountain family.”
In another tribute a colleague added: “Robbie brought light, energy and passion to everything he did.
SolarpixRobbie was described as a ‘great friend and all-round great guy’[/caption]
SolarpixRobbie’s friends and colleagues have paid tribute to him[/caption]
“His presence was truly magnetic. He had a remarkable ability to uplift and inspire those around him, both personally and professionally.
“He was not only a dedicated team member but also a dear friend to many.”
Hampshire-based aircraft maintenance company Vertigo Aviation Detailing said: “Incredibly tough weekend mourning the loss of our good friend Robbie Conington.
“An incredible aviator, great friend and all-round great guy. Blue skies, Robbie — you’re already so deeply missed.”
One of his friends seemed to indicate that Robbie’s body would be repatriated today.
Nina Susini wrote yesterday: “Keep your eyes skywards tomorrow, Wednesday September 3, 5pm to 6pm.
Appearing to indicate his body would be repatriated today, friend Nina Susini said in an online message late yesterday: “Keep your eyes skywards tomorrow, Wednesday September 3, 5pm to 6pm.
“We are bringing Robbie home. Flying into his airport Biggin Hill, escorted by two spitfires weather permitting.”
Footage from the scene of the tragedy showed a group of locals and holidaymakers crowding around police who had responded to the emergency.
Waves crashed down on the shoreline, indicating sea conditions were fairly challenging.
Biggin Hill-based flight school Echelon Air said in an emotional online tribute: “In shock and with deep sadness we write announcing the passing of our dear friend and aviation colleague, Robbie Conington.
“He passed away Friday evening, going for a sunset swim while on holiday with friends in Spain.
“His positive energy, quick wit and warm heart touched us all in simple and profound ways.
“His DNA is in everything we do at Echelon Air. He will be sorely missed by so many.
“Our heart aches for his family and community. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts.”