“One Of The Great Bermudians Of Our Time”
Teddy Tucker was a “Bermudian original” whose adventurous life and knowledge of the waters brought us worldwide attention and made us proud, Premier Michael Dunkley said following the passing of the legendary marine explorer.
Mr. Tucker began exploring the ocean’s buried treasures in the late 1940s, and in his decades-long career he discovered over 100 historic shipwrecks in Bermuda’s waters, found numerous sunken treasures, was featured in international films and magazines, served as a consultant worldwide.
Premier Dunkley said, “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I send our condolences to the family of Mr. Teddy Tucker, MBE, one of the great Bermudians of our time.
“Teddy, as he was known to everyone, was a Bermudian original whose adventurous life and profound knowledge of the waters around Bermuda brought worldwide attention to the Island for more than six decades.
“Mr. Tucker’s accomplishments were almost incredible in their breadth. He was a sailor, diver, explorer, treasure hunter, lecturer, archaeologist, historian and author.
“He was also an extraordinarily successful promoter of Bermuda’s history, culture and character, inspiring Hollywood films, best-selling novels and articles in major magazines from National Geographic to Life.
“Mr. Tucker’s amazing knowledge of Bermuda’s waters began with his first jobs as a boy aboard local fishing boats and never stopped.
“He inspired writers and scientists, school children and students. He was always approachable and ready to work with the curious, imparting his first-hand knowledge with simplicity, precision and enthusiasm.
“Teddy Tucker enriched the life of Bermuda and brought the most positive worldwide attention to the Island. He made us proud to be Bermudian,” said the Premier. “May he rest in peace.”
Definitely worthy of a Desmond Fountain Memorial.
He should be honored for Hero’s Day!
I agree, and he should be named the 2014 Hero.
My condolences to the Family of the late Teddy Tucker. Having had the opportunity to dive on wrecks with him and to see his techniques for finding wrecks; to hear his stories and to understand the wealth of knowledge of the sea around Bermuda he had acquired, I can say without reservation that Bermuda itself has lost a treasure of greater worth than all the treasure he found.
While somewhat introverted, Teddy would change temperament when the subject of the sea was discussed. BUEI was inspired by his work and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have served the Institute with him.
May his family find comfort at this time!
What a great loss for family and for Bermuda. With all the accolades puring in, why is it that once again there’s no “hero” being named for Hero’s Day?? Someone’s definitely dropping the ball.
Nothing from the opposition says a lot!
My deepest condolence and respect to the Tucker family, we have indeed lost a treasure!
That’s simply because the Opposition doesn’t view his ‘type’ as being a ‘real’ Bermudian
Of course not, not the first time they’ve been quiet on the passing of a prominent figure in recent months either.