WALTER DEAS, the Monifieth-born diver and internationally-renowned underwater photographer, has died aged 74.

The diving expert was a founder member of the Dundee Sub-Aqua Club and is credited as a pioneer of the sport in this country.

Mr Deas began diving in 1950 and spent his teenage years enthralled by the world of underwater exploration.

Originally trained as a joiner, he emigrated to Australia in 1959 where he went on to become an international expert in the field, exploring the waters around Florida, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Fiji, Sudan, New Zealand and Australia and other locations around the world.

Speaking from their home in New South Wales, Australia, wife Jean Deas (73) said she was still struggling to come to terms with the loss.

It is believed Mr Deas died from a stroke or a brain aneurysm and Mrs Deas said his death was sudden and unexpected.

“He was still filming and editing, and was very busy right up until the last moment,” she said.

“That’s what shocked us all the most—he had so many years ahead of him.

“I suppose when your time is up it is up, but he had a good life.”

During his career, Walter carried out research for marine stations, took part in archaeology diving for museums and even discovered the sites of two Spanish galleons.

He was also celebrated for his work as an underwater photographer and as an author of several books, including Beneath Australian Seas, Seashells of Australia and Australian Fishes in Colour.

Walter married Jean, who also hails from the Tayside area, in 1955 and the pair went on to co-author several successful books.

During their lives together the couple travelled across Australia with homes in Brisbane, Heron Island, the Queensland Gold Coast and latterly Thirroul.

Walter won many underwater awards in Italy, Japan, Portugal and England and was named Australian photographer of the year in 1969.

He was also elected to the Academy of Underwater Photographers’ Hall of Fame in the USA.

His funeral was held yesterday.