Carl Nefdt (31), of Staithes Lane, died during a 15-minute fire-fight on Lake Albert between Ugandan soldiers and men in Congolese army uniforms.

According to local sources Carl, who was the party leader, had rushed to the rescue of his team who were on a barge owned by Canadian oil company Heritage, which was being used to carry out oil exploration in the lake.

The barge was approached by gunmen wearing Congolese army uniforms when fighting broke out early on Friday and he was shot and killed.

The news has shocked the village where Carl lived with his wife Angela and children Bethany, Yves and Archie.

Staithes lifeboat helmsman Lee Jackson remembers him from his time on the lifeboat as a teenager.

He said: "Carl started with the crew when he was 17. He was a good lad and well liked by everyone.

"I'm sure everyone in Staithes knows him as the big man with the blond hair who always had a smile. Everyone I have spoken to the first thing they mention is his smile."

Carl was a keen fan of rugby and played for Guisborough Rugby Club, where he made many friends, including coach Paul Towers.

"I first met Carl three years ago when he came to the club," he said.

"We really became friends after he hurt his shoulder and I gave him a lift home from training. Everyone at the club is devastated by the news and our thoughts are with his family.

"He was a big lad, always smiling, sunshine blond hair – Benny from Abba we called him. We all can't believe this has happened.

"Carl helped to build a school whilst in Uganda so I think we are going to make a donation to them in his memory."

Carl was IMC Geophysics International's party chief for a seismic survey in the East African nation that was being carried out for the Heritage Oil Corporation.

A spokesman for IMC said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our sincere thoughts and sympathies are with Carl's wife and young family. A full investigation is under way and appropriate authorities have been informed."

Carl had worked for IMC since 1996 during which time he had been involved on seismic surveys in Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and
Morocco as well as throughout Europe.

Reuben Kashambuzi, commissioner of the Ugandan Petroleum Exploration Department, paid tribute to Carl and his work in the region.

"The mood at PEPD is sombre and our thoughts are with Carl's young family, IMC, Heritage, Tullow and all those who had an opportunity to know this wonderful young and energetic man," he said.

Ugandan and Congolese commanders have blamed each other for starting the firefight which led to the tragic killing of Carl Nefdt.

The Foreign Office confirmed the death of a British national in the country and that local police were investigating the incident.

To leave a tribute to Carl, click here to go to our tribute story.