Chester-born commander in 3,000-mile Atlantic Ocean rowing challenge

Commander Dan Seager is marine engineer officer on the submariners team called HMS Oardacious, raising awareness and money to support mental health initiatives for submariners and their families.

Dan grew up in Chester and went to Christleton High School until 2003. He then joined the Royal Navy and studied at Newcastle University to later become a submariner, serving all over the world for the past 17 years.

He's served on HMS Trafalgar, an Astute Class submarine, and in his last seagoing role was marine engineer officer (chief engineer) onboard.

He said: "With so much time away, much of it at short notice, it's inevitable that submariners aren't able to be home to support their family and friends. Equally, due to the sensitive nature of the operations we conduct, we can't come home and talk about what we've done or the stresses we've been under."

Whilst the Royal Navy has a fantastic reputation of team work and looking after each other, the HMS Oardacious team has a vision to further improve the well-being of the submarine network, raising money through daring and extremely challenging events such as this 3,000 mile journey.

It is known as the World's Toughest Row - Atlantic 2023, and the team set off on Tuesday, December 14.

HMS Oardacious is rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Dan Seager is rowing on the right. Picture: Atlantic Campaigns, World's Toughest Row.

The money they raise goes to the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) but has been ring-fenced for projects that will improve the mental health and resilience of the submarine network.

This small team also works with youth groups and schools to deliver outreach and STEM activities all over the country.

Dan is married to his childhood sweetheart, Hayley, and they now live in Bristol with two fantastic children. The irony of leaving his family over Christmas to raise money to support others is not lost on him or the four other submariners he's rowing with, all of whom have families at home who will miss them dearly.

That said, they all believe the cause is worthy of this massive contribution and look forward to crossing the finish line in Antigua some time in January.

If you want to hear more about the team, visit HMSOARDACIOUS.com or follow them on social media.

If you want to track their progress across the Atlantic over Christmas, download the yellow brick App and search for World's Toughest Row. To support the cause, donate to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hmsordacious2023.