A salute to the man who swam with sharks

'Ocean Vet' Neil Burnie died as he free dived near one of the Bermuda's most popular beaches on Tuesday.

The veterinarian and musician touched many people's lives. His involvement with marine species was well documented in newspaper articles, lectures, and a major TV documentary series 'Ocean Vet' which had just wrapped up filming on the island.

Dr Burnie made Bermuda his home for more than 20 years. Here on the Island the loss of such a greatly respected and admired man has had an immense impact on the community, not only for those who knew him personally, but for the many others who read about his exploits or were fortunate enough to have seen the accomplished saxophonist and harmonica player perform on stage.

For many people it was his involvement with tiger sharks that will be the most abiding memory. Dr Burnie swam with the sharks, filmed them and carried out extensive research on their behaviour and migrations. He was their friend, their champion. He did much to increase people's understanding of the true nature of tiger sharks (see the video above of his TEDxBermuda talk).

His love of the sea extended far beyond sharks. He carried out research on a wide variety of marine species, he was also a fisherman and sailor.

On land he was a highly popular vet, and away from the world of animals he loved music and performed with his own blues band, Bones. He also often accompanied other musicians on stage where he added musical flourishes of harmonica, sax and occasionally vocals. It was in the musical arena that I came across Dr Burnie.

I can't remember if it was his prowess as a musician or his legend as a shark swimmer that I was made aware of first. However, I do recall being at the Bermuda Folk Club many years ago and being informed that I was in for a treat because Neil Burnie was due to perform. I wasn't disappointed. He was every bit as good as I'd been told - better even.

He played at the club once or twice each year, and I particularly remember two years ago when he accompanied American blues singer and guitarist Alice Stuart. I was impressed by the way he threaded his improvisations into her music without overpowering the songs.

During September's Peace Day concert in the Botanical Gardens he led his group Bones through a well received set of blues numbers in front of an estimated audience of 1,600.

His joy for life and his example of what it means to care for marine species and the animals around us is a legacy that will reverberate for a long time.

Out beyond the reef and across miles of ocean I wonder if the tiger sharks also sense that their great friend has gone and, in their own way, like many people in Bermuda, salute the man who swam among them.

For further reading here are links to a news article and a tribute article on Dr Burnie

Michael Cacy, Alice Stuart and Neil Burnie (right) perform at the Bermuda Folk Club in 2012