A Canadian professor who died during a snorkelling exercise in Bermuda is remembered as leaving a “lasting legacy” to the hundreds he mentored over the years.

T. Kurt Kyser, a professor in the department of geological studies and geological engineering at Queen’s University, died in Bermuda on Tuesday.

The 62-year-old lost consciousness while snorkelling near North Rock at around 10am.

He was one of several instructors leading a group of students on an annual trip at the time.

An article published online by the school’s paper, the Queen’s Gazette, described Mr Kyser as a “world-renowned researcher” who produced more than 500 books, papers and technical reports.

The article added: “Beyond these seminal contributions, his lasting legacy is the hundreds of former students and postdoctoral fellows that he mentored.

“Each was touched in an insightful and inspirational way that not only challenged them, but elevated them as people.”

Mr Kyser was born in Montana and grew up in California.

He completed his bachelor of science at the University of California, San Diego, and earned his master’s and PhD from the University of California, Berkley.

Mr Kyser started at Queen’s University in 1995.

He completed fieldwork in Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, South America and the US during his 22 years at Queen’s.

Mr Kyser is survived by his wife April Vuletich.