Brit pilot, 30, drowns off Benidorm beach after late night dip with pals

A British pilot has drowned off a beach in Benidorm after going for a late night dip with friends.

Robbie Conington, 30, was named as the tourist who died after he got into difficulties when he took a dip in the sea with two friends late last Friday. Today he was described as a "spark that ignited every room he entered" by his bosses.

Another friend described him as an "incredible aviator, great friend and all-round great guy." Details of the tragedy first emerged over the weekend when Spanish policeconfirmed a British tourist's body had been recovered after he went into the sea with the two pals who returned to Benidorm's Levante Beach unharmed.

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The alarm was raised around 8.30pm last Friday by witnesses who said they had seen one of the three men being carried out in the choppy waters and coastguards were called in to search for the missing man before his body was found later the same 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.” Lone Mountain Aircraft, a US-based company he was working at when he died, 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. 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.” Fareham, Hampshire-based aircraft maintenance company Vertigo Aviation Detailing said in a statement: “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.”

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.” 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.”

Spain’s National Police said on Saturday in their first comments about the tragedy, giving his age as 31 but not naming him: “A British man aged 31 died in Benidorm last night in a suspected drowning. An investigation is underway but there is nothing pointing to this death being suspicious in any way.”