Tributes to Sea Cadet Who Died in the Solent

3 May 2010, 11:17 | Updated: 4 May 2010, 13:50

The family of a 14-year-old Sea Cadet who died after falling from a training ship say they've lost a "wonderful son''.

Jonathan Martin, from Shadoxhurst in Ashford, Kent, fell from the rigging of the TS Royalist in Stokes Bay, off Gosport, Hampshire, at about 8.30pm on Sunday.

He was recovered by a lifeboat and taken by helicopter to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, where he was pronounced dead.

His family said in a statement:

"Jonathan was a wonderful son and grandson who tragically died whilst doing something that he loved. He was a popular young man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"We ask that the family are given space and time to come to the terms with their loss. In relation to the accident, it is being investigated and we have no further comment to make.''

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said the force was investigating on behalf of the coroner and added that the Marine Accident Investigation Branch was leading the inquiry.