yesterday...after salvaging a lost buoy.

Mr. Bean was on a regular fishing trip when he spotted the stranded buoy after several days of stormy seas last month.

And he hauled it on to his boat so experts could re-attach it to its chains.

Fisheries officials explained the huge buoy was used to mark the dive site of the 1800s wreck Kate , just outside Castle Harbour. Underwater photographer and local diver Ian Murdoch will now lead the expedition to put the yellow marker back in its place.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson praised Mr. Bean for his efforts yesterday.

He said: "We are grateful for the efforts of fishermen in helping with marine rescues and supporting the protected marine areas so important to the health of our marine environment and the development of dive and snorkel sites for tourists and locals alike.'' The wreck of the Kate is a protected area under fisheries regulations and is featured in the Tourism Department's wreck certificate programme, encouraging divers to visit Bermuda.