Overview

• Robbie Conington, 30, a pilot from Biggin Hill, Kent, has been identified in tributes as the victim who died after entering the sea off Levante Beach late Friday.
• Witnesses raised the alarm at about 8:30pm after seeing a swimmer carried out in choppy water, and coastguards recovered his body later that night near Benidorm’s Sailing Club.
• A Benidorm town hall source said lifeguard patrols had ended for the day when the incident occurred and it appeared he could not get back to shore.
• Employers and colleagues, including Lone Mountain Aircraft, Echelon Air and Vertigo Aviation Detailing, posted statements praising Conington’s talent and character.
• A friend said on social media that his body is expected to be flown to Biggin Hill today, with a planned Spitfire escort subject to weather and not officially confirmed.