Lancashire, UK – Paul Barker, a beloved and courageous member of Neptune’s Pirates, passed away at the age of 64. The retired firefighter and driving examiner from Lancashire, UK, was known for his adventurous spirit and his dedication to the Neptune’s Navy crew, where he served as a deckhand on the M/Y John Paul DeJoria.
Paul Barker’s journey with Neptune’s Navy was marked by his commitment and passion for the sea. He famously rode his bicycle from Beverley, Yorkshire, to Hull, where he joined the crew and became an integral part of several significant operations, including Operation Paiakan and Operation Bloody Fjords. His adventures took him from Hull to New York, Iceland, the Faroes, and back to Ireland and the UK.
Affectionately known as “Pablo Escobar” among his crewmates, Paul was admired for his hard work, love for strong coffee, and unquenchable thirst for adventure. Even in his retirement, he continued to chase sunsets on boats around the world, always seeking the next great journey. His last message expressed his desire to find his own sailing boat, showcasing his enduring passion for life on the water.
Captain Locky MacLean, who worked closely with Paul, remembered him fondly, saying, “Paul had grit, a zest for life, and enjoyed very strong coffee! A self-confessed adrenaline chaser, Paul had a big heart and lived very much in the moment. Paul’s passion, curiosity, and courage rubbed off on the crew and will be sorely missed.”
Many of Paul’s friends and colleagues took to Facebook to share their thoughts and memories. Dan Paluscsak commented, "We shared the sea and firefighting, I’ll meet your spirit someday upon Fiddler’s Green." Jay Naddeo added, "Thank you Paul Barker for your service. May your Spirit watch over our fellow #NeptunesPirates. May God bless you always and forever. Rest in peace."
Others also paid tribute, with Dan Irving recalling, "Oh no, so sad to hear this! He was a truly lovely bloke, loved working with him. And yeah, you didn’t sleep if he made the coffee. A legendary bloke and motorbike obsessed too if I remember right." Meanwhile, Amish Schulze simply said, "Godspeed, Paul."
As Neptune’s Pirates bid farewell to Paul Barker, they do so with heavy hearts, but also with gratitude for the time they shared with such an extraordinary individual. His adventurous spirit, courage, and warmth will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
May Paul Barker’s anchor be ever tight and his compass true, guiding him on his final journey.