British pilot dies in Benidorm: details of the beach tragedy.

Tragedy at the beach in Benidorm

According to The Sun: In Benidorm, the memory of a British pilot who drowned near the beach was honored.

30-year-old Robbie Conington became a victim of an accident while swimming in the evening with friends last Friday.

Robbie had connections with several companies, including Echelon Air.

Today, his employers described him as "the spark that lit up every room he entered".

Another friend called Robbie "an incredible aviator, a wonderful friend, and just a great person".

News of the tragedy broke over the weekend, when the Spanish police confirmed they had found the body of the British tourist.

They reported that Robbie had dived into the sea with two friends, who returned to Levante Beach uninjured.

Alarm was raised around 8:30 PM last Friday by witnesses who saw one of the three men will no longer visible in the water.

Coastguards immediately began searching, and his body was found later that night near the Benidorm Yacht Club.

Robbie, who was from Bilgin-Hill, Kent, had more than 1300 hours of flight time and also worked in aircraft sales.

An adventure enthusiast, Robbie posted a video of a parachute jump on social media with the caption: "Jumping into my thirties headfirst".

At the time of his death, he was working for Lone Mountain Aircraft, based in the USA.

The company expressed condolences in its statement:

“Lone Mountain Aircraft is deeply saddened to have to report the loss of a dear member of our sales team, taken too soon.”

“Robbie Conington, 30 years old, tragically died in a non-aviation accident during vacation in Spain last Friday. Your thoughts and prayers for Robbie’s family and friends are greatly appreciated. He was the spark that lit up every room he entered, and he will be greatly missed by the Lone Mountain family.”

In one of the other statements, a colleague added:

“Robbie brought light, energy, and passion to everything he did. His presence was truly magnetic. He had an impressive ability to lift the spirits and inspire those around him on both a personal and professional level. He was not just a dedicated team member, but also a close friend to many.”

The aircraft servicing company Vertigo Aviation Detailing from Hampshire wrote: 'Incredibly tough weekend mourning the loss of our good friend Robbie Conington. He was an amazing aviator, a great friend, and just a wonderful person. Blue skies to you, Robbie - you're already missed.'

One of his friends noted that Robbie's body is expected to be repatriated today.

Nina Susini wrote yesterday:

“Look to the sky tomorrow, Wednesday, September 3rd, from 5 to 6 PM.”

Adding that the body would be repatriated, Nina noted:

“We are bringing Robbie home. Flying to his Bilgin-Hill airport under the escort of two spitfires, weather permitting.”

Video from the scene of the tragedy showed a crowd of locals and vacationers gathered around the police responding to the emergency.

Waves were mercilessly crashing onto the shore, attesting to the rough conditions at sea.

Echelon Air's aviation school from Bilgin-Hill posted an emotional message:

“In shock and deep sadness, we report the passing of our dear friend and colleague in aviation, Robbie Conington. He died last Friday after going for an evening swim during vacation with friends in Spain. His positive energy, quick wit, and warm heart touched us all in simple and profound ways.”

“His DNA is in every one of our actions at Echelon Air. We will greatly miss him. Our hearts ache for his family and community. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

The tragedy served as an important reminder of the dangers that can arise while vacationing at sea. The community and Robbie's colleagues have shown tremendous support, expressing their condolences and remembering his positive impact on those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.