109. Baptism by Hurricane: Graham Drinkwater

Holyhead volunteer Graham Drinkwater MBE on helping to save 19 lives at 19-years-old Graham Drinkwater’s first ever lifeboat rescue takes some beating. On 2 December 1966, at just 19-years-old, the Holyhead lifeboat volunteer went to the aid of the crew aboard the stricken Nafsiporos Greek cargo ship in a raging storm and 100mph winds. Graham shares his memories of the rescue, being on the lifeboat alongside Harold ‘Hurricane’ Harvey – and bringing the survivors ashore in time for a Christmas party at the local hotel. The rescue earned Graham a Bronze Medal for Gallantry – an award he never expected. 200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI    Interview by RNLI’s Eleanor Driscoll    Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls    The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200