A fiancée has paid a heartbreaking tribute to a young Merchant Navy engineer whose body was tragically pulled from the water in the Caribbean.
Ben Burgess, 25, was on shore leave when he was found dead in Oistins, in Barbados, last Wednesday.
The Merchant Navy engineer 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 moved from Yorkshire to Prudhoe, Northumberland four years ago to live with his girlfriend Rebecca Pattinson.
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.
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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."
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 visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rememberingbenburgess.
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