THE ROYAL Navy captain from Petersfield who helped save the lives of thousands of migrants at sea has been awarded an OBE.
Capt Nick Cooke-Priest was at the helm of HMS?Bulwark during the huge humanitarian operation in the Mediterranean last summer.
Over several months his ship rescued more than 3,000 desperate people, including pregnant women and young children, in dangerous and overcrowded boats fleeing Syria and Africa.
Often dehydrated and diseased, they were given sanctuary and a safe passage by HMS Bulwark. Capt Cooke-Priest (47), who has been awarded for his bravery and commitment, spoke to the Post from the ship during the operation in June 2015 to describe conditions, and to praise his colleagues.
Of his OBE the father-of-three, who grew up in the family home in Heath Road, Petersfield, and now lives at Rake, said:?“I?am fully humbled by this award.
“Operation Weald, the migrant search and rescue mission, was a demanding and challenging period for the ship.
“I would like to pay my greatest respects to the officers, sailors and marines who served with me during the operation. It was a genuinely fantastic team effort.”