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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kali Lindsay

Fiancée's heartbreaking tribute to engineer partner, 25, who died in Barbados

A fiancée was left devastated when her partner's body was pulled from the water in the Caribbean.

Ben Burgess, a young Merchant Navy engineer, was on shore leave when he was found dead in Oistins, in Barbados, last Wednesday.

Partner Rebecca Pattinson said the 25-year-old was 'just so, so happy' and the couple had picked out engagement rings together, reports Chronicle Live .

Ben would work for three months in the Carribbean and then return home for three months.

An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of Ben's death and it is thought his body won't be returned home for 30 days.

Ben Burgess, a young Merchant Navy engineer, was on shore leave when he was found dead (Handout)

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Ben moved from Yorkshire to Prudhoe, Northumberland four years ago to live with girlfriend Rebecca. 

Paying tribute to her loving partner, Rebecca, 26, said: "There are no words to describe him and do him justice.

"He was just happy, so, so happy. There was always a smile on his face. He was always up for having a drink with anyone."

The couple met four years ago when they were studying marine engineering at South Shields Marine School.

And Ben and Rebecca were planning their future together when his life was tragically cut short.

"We had picked out engagement rings and had just moved back to my mam's because we were saving for a deposit," she said.

"We were making plans for the future."

Rebecca Pattinson has been left heartbroken by the death of her fiancee (Handout)
Oistins in Barbados (stock photo) (Getty Images/EyeEm)

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On Saturday, friends and family have organised a pirate-themed fundraising day in honour of Pirate Ben, as he was affectionately known due to his work on boats.

Rebecca said: "There will be face painting, games and a barbecue.

"It is day for everyone to get together - a day for Ben.

"We want to try and make happy memories."

The event will take place on Highfield Park between noon and 6pm, with local businesses donating prizes for the raffle.

A crowdfunding page has also been set up in Ben's memory to help pay for his funeral.

Within days of being launched, Ben's friends and family have already smashed the £500 target.

To donate click here.

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