THE FAMILY of Rico Dardis have paid emotional tribute to the “cheeky” 30-year-old.

Father Michael and sisters Adesha and Vanessa sent their memories to the Daily Echo three days after Rico was found in the sea at Steamer Point, Friars Cliff.

He had suffered injuries believed to have been caused by the propeller of the boat.

Mr Dardis said he will meet his son again someday.

He wrote: “As a boy I carried you in my arms and now I will carry you in my heart.

“Wherever you are I will be, and where I am I know you will be. Till we meet again son xxx.”

Rico’s younger sister Adesha said he was “pure light”.

She wrote: “My beautiful baby, you were my big brother but still my baby really.

“The love I have for you was immeasurable, you are so entwined into my soul and you have taken part of me with you. I miss you so so much – no matter what you were pure light. Love you with everything I have my dear brother, and I will forever and always. See you at the gates, sleep easy angel xxxxxxxx.”

Vanessa said: “My cheeky Rico with that beautiful smile that could light up a room and fill it with love and laughter, no matter what was happening in our lives.

“You brought a smile to us all and I will love you forever more, until I see you again, sleep tight xxxxx.”

Earlier this week, the family released a statement through Dorset Police to say Rico’s death had caused them “great distress”.

They added: “We are grieving for the tragic loss of a son, brother and father.”

Two men from Bournemouth aged 49 and 51 were arrested on suspicion murder after Rico’s death.

They have now been released without charge on police bail.

Witnesses and anyone with information should phone 101 in confidence, quoting crime number 27:447 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.