Friends of the British butcher found drowned in the West End at the weekend have paid tribute to the fun-loving character who enjoyed nothing more than being in the water.

Keen swimmer Allan David Cosgrove, 30, died late on Sunday afternoon while swimming off Five Star Island in Southampton.

He was last seen by a neighbour at 4.30 p.m. when he ventured down to the water near his home on Middle Road for a swim.

However, they became concerned when he did not return by 6 p.m., and went to check on him.

It is believed his landlady's teenage daughter found his body floating near to the shoreline.

Attempts to revive him failed, and Mr. Cosgrove was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Mr. Cosgrove, from Suffolk in England, had been working at White and Sons' supermarket in Warwick since arriving on the Island last December.

Yesterday, staff at the store paid tribute to their colleague by placing a photograph of him on top of the meat counter, along with a written tribute and flowers. The mood in the supermarket was sombre.

The store's human resource manager Miriam Fox said Mr. Cosgrove's family had been informed and were understandably very upset.

The family had asked that the store make no comment at this time. Ms Fox said: "Beyond extending condolences to the family and friends, the White brothers don't want to comment due to the specific wishes of the family."

But The Royal Gazette spoke to friends of Mr. Cosgrove yesterday, who asked not to be named, and they described him as "a real character" who would be sorely missed.

One friend said: "He was a very bubbly character and was almost care free. He was always up for a laugh and was just full of life.

"He liked to join in with everyone, but he also enjoyed having a private life. He enjoyed being on his own sometimes. He was such a big character, we will really notice that he has gone from our lives. He had only been on the Island eight or nine months, but he will leave a big hole."

The friend said Mr. Cosgrove also had a talent for writing poetry and had had two poems published in the past. And he was also an avid tea drinker.

But he said he was also a very keen swimmer and diver, having just bought an underwater camera.

"He loved to swim and he also loved to dive," added the friend.

"But, he had never swam on the South Shore - he liked other shores better. We was definitely a strong swimmer. We can't believe he has gone."

Another friend, who also did not wish to be named, said: "What can I say, I am just totally shocked. It's very sad. He was a very decent guy and was happy go lucky.

"He kept himself to himself and got on with his life. Everyone is shocked."

Bermuda Police yesterday also extended their sympathies to the family.