A GRIEVING family has issued a heartfelt tribute to a "happy and loving" teenager who went missing at sea.

The body of Ben Quartermaine, 15, was found on Clacton beach almost two days after he went missing in the waters close to Clacton Pier.

Pier staff, Clacton RNLI, coastguards, police officers and volunteers worked tirelessly to find him.

Ben and a friend had got into difficulty swimming off the coast of Clacton.

READ MORE

His friend was saved by pier staff, who managed to reach him with a lifering, but unfortunately they were unable to reach Ben.

Ben, from Clacton, has been described as a "happy, loving and independent boy."

In a joint statement, the family said: “He was a happy, loving and independent boy who would go out of his way to make others laugh and smile.

“Ben had a huge love for motorbikes and was often at bike events with family and friends.

"He was looking forward to his 16th birthday when he could do his Compulsory Basic Training and get out on his own moped, which we were in the process of doing up for him as a present."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

They added: “He was loved by everyone that had the pleasure to know him and will be missed by all.

“We ask that at this very difficult time that we are left alone to grieve and come to terms with our loss.”

The family will release details of the funeral in due course and have requested that anyone wishing to send flowers instead donate to the RNLI.

READ MORE

They said: "The RNLI went above and beyond in the search for Ben.”

Officers are not treating Ben’s death as suspicious, but the cause of death is currently unknown and enquiries are ongoing.

A file will be submitted to the coroner.

A page has been set up to help Ben's family pay for funeral costs.

Additional money will also be donated to the RNLI and Essex Air Ambulance.

To donate, click here.