Family and friends of a Lossiemouth man who died this week while on a diving outing just off the coast at Findochty have been paying tribute. Benjamin Rayner got into difficulties on Sunday when he was diving in shallow water with three friends just a hundred yards from Findochty harbour. A colleague telephoned the emergency services when Mr Rayner, who was 38, resurfaced unconscious and they had difficulty getting him back in their boat. An RNLI lifeboat crew managed to lift Mr Rayner from the water and tried to revive him but he was found to be dead. Mr Rayner was a member of the Burghead sub-aqua club. His parents Richard and Janet Rayner said they were “devastated” at the loss of their son: “He was a lovely man with a great sense of humour. “Ben was very close to his family and very loyal to his friends. Although he moved from Cheshire to Scotland primarily to work, he enjoyed living in Lossiemouth. “Ben will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him and by us especially, his mum and dad and his younger sisters Abigail and Charlotte.” Colleagues of Mr Rayner at the Burghead club added their tributes to their friend. In a statement a spokesman for the club said: “Officers and members of Burghead SAR are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and fellow diver. “Ben was an active and enthusiastic diver and member of our club. Despite only joining us in 2010 he thoroughly thrived in club activities, becoming a member of the committee and undergoing training and diving activities with passion. “He passed away while doing a sport he thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately all attempts to revive Ben by club members and the very prompt rescue services were unsuccessful. “The club wishes to extend our sincere condolences to Ben’s family and friends at this difficult time.” Mr Rayner’s family gave their thanks to the RNLI, Coastguard, Ambulance and RAF Lossiemouth helicopter crew for their efforts in Sunday’s incident.
Tributes for Lossie man who died on diving expedition
Ben Rayner – tributes.