A DEVASTATED family has paid touching tributes to a young kayaker after his tragic death off the Jaywick coast.

Chris Sturman, 21, of Jaywick, went out into the sea on Sunday but never returned.

The alarm was raised when he started to struggle against the tide and capsized, plunging below the surface as he tried to swim to shore.

His kayak was found as it washed up near Lion Point, but there was no sign of strong swimmer Chris.

It sparked a major search and rescue operation which lasted for several hours, including coastguards and lifeboat crews.

A body was eventually recovered near the beach at about 10pm.

Chris’s distraught family have been left reeling by the news and say everyone is heartbroken at the loss.

A family spokesman told the Gazette: “Chris was a great guy, he was caring and was loved by family and friends. He was a well-known lad.

“Chris was a guy who would do anything for his family and friends. He was a fantastic brother, partner and son.

“He was great with his little brother and was a huge part of his life. Chris was a role model for most people and a best friend to his siblings.

“He was an avid gamer on the Xbox and loved life and his family.

“Chris had established himself in the community and was love by many. He would help all who needed it, he loved the beach and taking the dogs for long walks, and he loved his brothers and sisters especially JJ and Sean.

“Chris was an excellent swimmer and loved being on the water.

“All who knew and loved him can’t understand this tragedy and are always going to miss him.

“He was in a long term relationship with a lovely girl, Sophie, and losing him has broken her heart in two. Chris was Sophie's world, they were together for three years and were partners in crime and soul mates.

“It has broken everyone’s heart to lose him.

“We will all miss and always love him. R.I.P Christopher – a wonderful brother, partner and son.”

Clacton’s lifeboat crew was called to the incident just before 6pm on Sunday.

They reached the spot where Chris was last seen and carried out an exhaustive search for him, calling in the second lifeboat to help.

The coastguard helicopter circled above in the hope of spotting him.

But the body was later found near the beach.

Tributes and memories have flooded in for Chris on social media websites.

Friends said they were left in shock by the tragic news, while neighbour Kim Thurlow said he was a "kind, caring and intelligent" young man.