Harry Watts was born on June 15, 1826, in Sunderland, England, to Elizabeth and William Watts. He was one of five siblings raised in poverty in the bustling port city. From a young age, Harry was drawn to the sea, inspired by his father, who worked as a mariner.
Harry's courage and selflessness first became apparent when he was just a teenager. At the age of fourteen, he was aboard a ship bound for Quebec when a fellow sailor-in-training fell overboard. Without hesitation, Harry dove into the icy waters and managed to save the young man from drowning.
A few years later, Harry found himself in another life-threatening situation when the captain of his ship was thrown overboard during a storm. Once again, Harry sprang into action, risking his own life to rescue the captain from certain death.
Harry's reputation as a fearless and skilled diver quickly spread throughout Sunderland. In the 1860s, he began working as a diver for the River Wear Commissioners, where he was responsible for inspecting and repairing underwater structures. His expertise in underwater rescue operations made him an invaluable asset to the Sunderland Lifeboat and Life Brigade, where he saved countless lives over the years.
Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, Harry Watts became a local legend in Sunderland. His daring rescues of shipwreck survivors and distressed swimmers earned him the admiration and gratitude of the entire community. One of his most famous feats was single-handedly preventing the drowning deaths of nearly fifty people in a tragic boating accident.
Harry's heroism did not go unnoticed. In 1892, he caught the attention of wealthy industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who declared Harry to be the most heroic man he had ever met. Harry's first marriage to Rebecca Smith in 1846 produced no children, but his second marriage to Sarah Ann Thompson resulted in two children.
Harry Watts passed away on an unknown date, leaving behind a legacy of courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to the preservation of life at sea. His story continues to inspire others to this day, reminding us all of the incredible impact that one individual can have on the world.