In Search of Great Uncle Pat

The author researches the life of a mysterious relative who survived the sinking of Titanic. Ever since he was a boy, John Nolan heard family members mention an "Uncle Paddy" who was on Titanic and somehow survived. No one knew much else about the man or what became of him. After launching his own investigation and collecting information bits and pieces at a time, the author was stunned to learn that his great uncle, Patrick O'Keefe of Waterford, Ireland, was one of the men who survived by swimming through the freezing water to the famous upturned lifeboat, Collapsible B. O'Keefe was joined on the "raft," as he called it, by Titanic's Second Officer Charles Lightoller, Junior Wireless Operator Harold Bride, American Army Colonel Archibald Gracie, first class passenger Jack Thayer, and Titanic's chief baker Charles Joughin. In the course of his research, John Nolan finds long-lost relatives, including Pat O'Keefe's only son, and discovers his own Irish roots as well. Includes photos.