Ocean Institute Celebrates Life Of Sea Captain After Passing

DANA POINT, CA — The community is mourning the passing of a marine biologist and sea captain who left his mark on the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

Sea Captain Mike Bursk skippered the Ocean Institute's Research Vessel Sea Explorer for 23 years, and during that time, he touched the lives of roughly 400,000 students and visitors who sought to discover the mysteries of the ocean.

"Whatever the question, when it came to marine science Captain Mike always took the time to share an answer or tell a tale of his adventures at sea," a spokesperson for the Ocean Institute told Patch.

In memory of Captain Mike, the Ocean Institute will be placing a plaque and a guest book in the wheelhouse on the Sea Explorer for people to share their memories with the well-loved captain.