Family's tribute to young diver

Louis Price was a qualified open water diver

The parents of a 14-year-old boy who went missing following a diving trip in Devon have paid tribute to their "adorable, precious son".

Louis Price who lived in Newport, south Wales, disappeared last week.

He and his father, both experienced divers, were diving from a rigid inflatable boat at Berry Head, Brixham in Torbay last Tuesday.

Stephen and Tracey Price said Louis "will be missed so much by his close knit family who loved him so much."

Louis disappeared after surfacing from one dive, police said.

"Having surfaced there appears to have been problems trying to start the small rib and the father subsequently called for help from a passing charter boat who came to assist," a Devon Police spokesman said.

"It is at this point that all parties have lost sight of the young boy."

Louis was such an adorable, precious son who loved life Tribute from Louis Price's parents, Stephen and Tracey

The search for him was called off last Thursday after two days of searching by helicopters, lifeboats and police diving teams.

His parents said in a statement: "Louis started diving lessons when he was 12 under a brilliant diving instructor, gaining open water diving qualifications in June 2006.

"He could even handle the boat himself to perfection. He also enjoyed fishing and water skiing.

"Brixham has always been a special place to Louis, from when he was first born; he loved going there at weekends with all his close family around him.

Determined

"Louis was such an adorable, precious son who loved life."

The family said Louis, a pupil at St Julian's Comprehensive in Newport, was also involved in many different interests including drama, singing and playing the guitar.

"Louis was very determined at whatever he did. He always had top marks at schools with remarks from teachers on all school reports stating that he was a 'joy to teach'".

Members of Newport Sub Aqua Club (SAC) where Louis's father was formerly a member have also expressed their shock and condolences at the teenager's death.