Family of the late ocean explorer Teddy Tucker are inviting the public to pay tribute by donating to a scholarship fund established in Mr Tucker’s name.

Mr Tucker, who gained international recognition for his research in Bermuda’s waters, died last week at the age of 89.

Friend and former Premier David Saul, speaking on behalf of Mr Tucker’s family, urged those who may wish to honour Mr Tucker to consider making a contribution to the Teddy Tucker Scholarship Foundation in his name.

“The Teddy Tucker Scholarship helps to assist Bermuda students to attend the various camps at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute held in the Easter and summer holidays, where each student learns all about the ocean, from the surface to the depths, and the delicate balance between man, the reefs, the ocean, the creatures that live there and their interdependence,” Dr Saul said.

“Hundreds of local schoolchildren have attended these courses, and hundreds more will benefit from this experience, but only if donations continue to be made to ensure that courses remain financially viable.

“ Donations in Teddy’s name will help to immortalise this great Bermudian, while educating our youth about the ocean and, possibly, help produce another one or two Teddy Tuckers.

“I appeal to the generosity of all who knew Teddy to contribute to this worthy cause in his memory.”

Mr Tucker was a world renowned sailor, diver, explorer, treasure hunter, lecturer, archaeologist, historian and author, who during his more than 60-year career helped discover the Spanish shipwreck San Pedro and the famous Tucker Cross, inspired the Peter Benchley novel The Deep and helped found the Beebe Project.

Those interested in making a contribution are asked to write to; The Teddy Tucker Scholarship, BUEI, PO Box 1745. Hamilton, HM GX.