17 tributes to South Shields jet ski tragedy victim

The man, named locally as Billy Carruthers, from South Shields, got into difficulties while jet skiing near The Groyne yesterday afternoon.

It is believed his jet ski had broken down and he tried to swim to shore.

Despite a bid by a man on a surf board to rescue him, and resuscitation attempts by a Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat crew, Mr Carruthers died.

Today, as news of the tragedy spread, tributes were flooding in on the Gazette's Facebook page.

Judith Payne said: "Thoughts for his family and friends."

Charlie Bailey: "So very sad. Thoughts are with his friends and family. Rest in eternal paradise."

Diane Binyon: "So sad."

Donna Ullah: "RIP xx."

Maureen Davison: "So very sad, thoughts go to all his family. May he R.I.P."

James Sanderson: "God bless you Billy, my thoughts are with your family, RIP mate."

Melanie Spinks: "RIP Billy. Sending our thoughts and love to your family. Xxx."

Lynsey Freestone: "Thoughts with family and friends. X"

Adam A Bainbridge: "RIP Billy C."

Jackie Pitchford: "RIP Billy xxx."

Nicola Seales: "RIP Billy, never forget you x."

Eva Mohammed: "Thinking of the family at this sad time x."

Lynne Start: "R.I.P. Billy, so sad xx."

Kerry Thorpe: "RIP Billy. Thoughts are with his closest. Xxx

Karen Mckenzie Robinson: "RIP Billy,you were one of a kind my friend. Fond memories, my heart goes out to all the family xxx."

Zoe Loch: "This is so sad xxx."

Marie Jobling: "Pure gentleman, R.I.P. Billy, thoughts are with all his family and friends at this terrible time x."