Loved ones of a young engineer who died in Barbados have vowed to help others and create a lasting legacy in his honour.

Ben Burgess was on shore leave when he was found dead in Oistins, in Barbados, last Wednesday.

His body was tragically pulled from the water and an investigation is under way to establish the circumstances of his death.

Since then, moving tributes have been paid to the 25-year-old Merchant Navy engineer, who has been described as always having a smile on his face and being "so, so happy".


Now his friends and family are helping to raise funds to help prevent further tragedies.

A pirate-themed fun day is taking place on Saturday, at Highfield Park in Prudhoe , between noon and 6pm, and the funds raised will go towards installing railings and life vests on the jetty in Oistins.

Rebecca Pattinson, Ben's fiancée, said: "Everyone is still in shock about what happened and we just wanted to do something positive in Ben's memory.

Rebecca Pattinson and Ben Burgess
Rebecca Pattinson and Ben Burgess

"The money raised from the event in his honour will go towards railings and life jackets in Oistins to help save lives.

"The fun day first started out as a charity football match but it has grown since then.

"People in the community have come forward to help and more people are getting involved."

Ben was serving as a 3rd engineer in the Merchant Navy.


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

He was originally from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, and went to Prince Henry grammar school, in Otley.

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

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

Paying tribute to him, 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 fun day on Saturday has a pirate theme as he was affectionately known as Pirate Ben, due to his work on boats.

The event will include activities such as face painting, games, raffle and a barbecue.

A crowdfunding page has also been set up in Ben's memory. To donate visit .