Pensioner, 72, finishes three-month row across Atlantic Ocean after a bit of help

A super-fit pensioner today finished his epic single-handed row across the Atlantic, with a little help from the coastguard.

Graham Walters, 72, spent more than three months alone in a boat but strong winds blew him off course with just six miles left and he had to be towed in.

Graham had aimed to be the oldest to row solo across the Atlantic but missed out on the record because of the final six miles.

He was fighting through the night against the winds which are a common foe for those rowing into Antigua.

But he told his wife Jean that no matter how hard he rowed he was not getting anywhere.

Graham Walters intended to become the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean at the age of 72 (PA)

Coastguards, who had been watching him, asked if he needed assistance and he said yes. Mrs Walters added: “I’m glad he has got common sense. He will still get a hero’s welcome.”

The retired carpenter fought huge storms in his home-built boat and even a shark attack during his epic 2,600 nautical-mile crossing since leaving the Canary Islands on January 25 before the pandemic affected most countries.

But he faces Covid-19 screening and a 14-day quarantine before he can come home. And because of his age, Graham will have to go into isolation when he comes back to the UK. The adventurer has kept in touch with Jean, 62, via weekly calls on his satellite phone, so he knew about the pandemic.

The retired carpenter docked the boat in English Harbour, Antigua, today after some help from coastguards (Jean Walters / SWNS.COM)

Graham completed the Atlantic rowing race in 1997 and has since loved the pastime (PA)

At home in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, Jean said he was hoping for a big welcome: “But it won’t be like that. Everyone will have to be distanced.”

Graham built his boat, The George Geary, 22 years ago in his front garden and named it after his grandad, a Leicestershire and England cricketer in the 1920s and 30s. He rowed the Atlantic in 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2007, but said this will be his last journey.

During his 105-day crossing to support veterans charity Help The Heroes, his boat had a major leak and he injured his knee when a huge wave knocked him off his feet.

His boat was also bashed by a giant shark chasing tuna. He now faces a wait to get home under Covid-19 travel restrictions but hopes to get a flight from Barbados in the next fortnight.

Jean added: “I just want him home. I miss him – but I won’t tell him that.

“I haven’t seen him since January.

“He is one of the most determined people I have ever known.”