Category Archives: Motor Trawler

M.T. Floradora – GY317

Additional information courtesy of Andy Hall and Bill Blow

Technical

Official Number: 164411
Completed: 1936
Gross Tonnage: 56
Net Tonnage: 33
Length: 67 ft
Breadth: 18.8 ft
Depth: 8.6 ft
Built: J & W. Berg, Halso Sweden
Engine: 120bhp by Bolinder Munktell Ltd, Eskilstuna Sweden.

History

1936: Launched by J & W. Berg, Halso Sweden (Yd. No) for Marstrand Fishing Co Ltd, Grimsby (Tom Moore manager) as FLORADORA.
1936: Completed.
20.05.1936: Registered at Grimsby (GY317).
1936: Owned by Marstrand Fishing Co Ltd, Grimsby (Tom Moore manager).
19.05.1936: Mortgaged by Marstrand Fishing Co Ltd, Grimsby (A).
19.05.1936: Mortgagee: Bolinders Ltd, London (secure sum of £2542. 11s. 5d & interest @4.5%).
03.07.1936: Registered at Grimsby under Part 1 (57g).
27.08.1938: Bill of Sale (under mortgage (A)): Owned by Walter Holmes, Fleetwood.
27.08.1938: Margaret Newton Holmes appointed manager.
03.03.1939: Stranded in Clanyard Bay, Rhinns of Galloway in early hours and resting badly on rocks. Sister ship, motor trawler BOMEMIAN GIRL (GY311) in attendance. All crew taken off and onboard BOHEMIAN GIRL. At high water, 8.45 am. with BOHEMIAN GIRL connected, came afloat and after checks proceeding to Fleetwood.
04.03.1939: Arrived Fleetwood shortly after midnight.
28.05.1940: Bill of Sale: Owned by Alexander Hay, Aberdeen (owner/manager).
22.02.1943: Four Bills of Sale: Owned by Robert Bell; Elspeth Melville Boyd Bell; Mary Morris Bell & George Robert Cook, Leith Edinburgh.
22.02.1943: Four mortgages; Mortgaged by Robert Bell (B) ; Elspeth Melville Boyd Bell (C); Mary Morris Bell (D) & George Robert Cook (E), Leith Edinburgh.
22.02.1943: Mortgagee: Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh (secure amounts due & interest).
20.03.1943: Robert Bell appointed manager.
12.01.1945: Three Bills of Sale: Owned by Robert Bell; Elspeth Melville Boyd Bell; Mary Morris Bell, Leith Edinburgh.
24.01.1945: Mortgage (E) discharged.
25.01.1945: Three mortgages; Mortgaged by Robert Bell (F) ; Elspeth Melville Boyd Bell (G); Mary Morris Bell (H).
25.01.1945: Mortgagee: Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh (secure amounts due & interest).
04.03.1951: Elspeth Melville Boyd Bell deceased; Mary Morris Boyd Bell appointed executor.
27.07.1955: Grimsby registry closed.
07.1955: Registered at Leith (LH54).
20.05.1956: Owned by Robert Bell & Mary Morris Bell, Leith Edinburgh.
31.12.1956: Not on Lloyd’s Register.

Click to enlarge images

M.T. Floradora GY317
Picture courtesy of Granton Trawlers

Changelog
17/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.

M.T. De Jong Jochem – HD8

Wartime visitor

Information courtesy of Jan Harteveld

Technical

Completed: 1933
Gross Tonnage: 56
Length: 28.76m (93.83 ft)
Breadth: 5.6m (18.37 ft)
Depth: 2m (6.56 ft)
Engine: Oil engine 100bhp by Kromhaut Motoren, Amsterdam

History

1933: Completed by Boot, Woubrugge for L. Kamper, Urk as GELABO. Registered at Urk (UK14).
1935: Re-registered at Urk (UK18).
1939: Sold to K. Post, Den Helder. Urk registry closed. Registered at Den Helder as DE JONGE JOCHEM (HD8).
About 11/12.5.1940: Sailed IJmuiden with refugees and picked up in the North Sea more refugees who were in rowing boats etc. on her way to England, total about 80 refugees among them were many children. The people from the rowing boats were very lucky because the weather worsened and they were sure that they will not have made it to Britain. The skipper Mr. Bertus van Loosen had no sea charts which could tell him where the minefields were, also he was on his own on board because a crew member, who was living in IJmuiden, refused to go with him, the rest of his crew were living in Den Helder and were at home. His idea was to take the people to England and then return to Holland. On arrival in England he was directed to Fleetwood.
1942: Re-engined with a 110bhp oil engine by Gardner & Co Ltd, Patricroft, Manchester.
1942-1945: Fishing from Fleetwood.
1945: Returned to Holland.
1953: Re-engined with a 150bhp oil engine by Kromhaut Motoren, Amsterdam.
7.10.1954: On a trip, five crew. During a NW storm the vessel was lost with all hand NW from Den Helder, skipper Bertus van Loosen was not on board this time.

Note – DE JONGE JOCHEM was the only Den Helder registered vessel that escaped to England.

Click to enlarge image

mfv De Jonge Jochem HD008
Picture courtesy of The Jan Harteveld Collection

Changelog
17/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.
27/07/2017: Restored missing image.

M.T. Sunlit Waters – LT377

Additional information courtesy of Barry Banham and Douglas Paterson Fishing Boat Heritage

In Boston (Fleetwood) ownership. Did not sail from the port.

Technical

Official Number: 166711
Yard Number: 1332
Completed: 1948
Gross Tonnage: 133
Net Tonnage: 42
Length: 96.8 ft
Breadth: 21.1 ft
Depth: 9.5 ft
Engine: 6-cyl 350bhp oil engine by Crossley Bros Ltd, Openshaw. Manchester

History

2.10.1947: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.1332) for Frederick E Catchpole, Lowestoft, as SUNLIT WATERS.
7.2.1948: Registered at Lowestoft (LT377).
3.3.1948: Completed.
29.5.1951: Sold to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd, Fleetwood (Basil A. Parkes, manager).
1952: Re-engined with 6-cyl 440bhp oil engine by Crossley Bros Ltd, Openshaw. Manchester.
8.5.1952: Registered at Lowestoft as BOSTON SWIFT(LT377).
3.9.1954: Sold to Mercury Fisheries Ltd, Halifax, NS (Paul Stockhamer, London, manager). Lowestoft registry closed.
21.9.1954: Lowestoft registry closed.
9.1954: Registered at Halifax, NS (‘H’11).
By end 1956: Owned by Minister of Trade & Industry, Halifax, NS.
3.1957: Sold to George Murray & Craig Stores (Aberdeen) Ltd, Aberdeen. Halifax registry closed.
6.3.1957: Registered at Aberdeen (A143).
30.4.1957: Registered at Aberdeen as SWIFTBURN (A143).
24.4.1958: Sold to Star Drift Fishing Co Ltd, Lowestoft (Frederick E Catchpole, manager).
24.4.1958: Aberdeen registry closed.
26.4.1958: Registered at Lowestoft (LT367).
16.10.1958: Registered at Lowestoft as DAUNTLESS STAR (LT367).
21.10.1959: At Lowestoft (Sk George Draper) landed 1891/2 crans of herring caught 40 miles NxE of Haisborough Light. Prunier Trophy winner.
1965: Company and ships taken over by Boston Group, Hull.
10.1966: On charter to Triton Salvage & Towage Co Ltd for oil industry related work in North Sea.
12.2.1969: Sold to John R, Francis & Alexander Reid, Gardenstown and Frank West, Fraserburgh. Used as a herring carrier working with purse seiner BDELLIUM (FR185); not a success and laid up.
19.6.1971: Sold to J R Hashim, Frostenden, Suffolk.
4.12.19073: Sold to Warbler Fishing Co Ltd, Lowestoft.
4.8.1975: Sold to R. J. Brooks, Ipswich. Lowestoft fishing registry closed.
1977: Sailed Lowestoft for United Arab Emirates. In use as a water carrier for offshore installations.
21.12.1999: Part Four Lowestoft registry closed.
2008: Vessel removed from Lloyd’s Register of Shipping “Continued existence in doubt”.

Click to enlarge images

M.T. Sunlit Waters LT377

M.T. Dauntless Star LT367

M.T. Dauntless Star LT367
Picture courtesy of James Cullen

Changelog
17/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.

M.T. Dauntless Star – LT371

Additional information courtesy of Barry Banham

Technical

Official Number: 166709
Yard Number: 1331
Completed: 1948
Gross Tonnage: 133
Net Tonnage: 42
Length: 96.8 ft
Breadth: 21.1 ft
Depth: 9.5 ft
Engine: 6-cyl 350bhp oil engine by Crossley Bros Ltd, Openshaw. Manchester (built1942)

History

16.9.1947: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.1331) for Star Drift Fishing Co Ltd, Lowestoft as DAUNTLESS STAR.
07.01.1948: Registered at Lowestoft (LT371).
2.2.1948: Completed (Frederick E. Catchpole, manager).
4.2.1948: Arrived Lowestoft from builders.
9.11.1949: Prunier Trophy winner. At Lowestoft (Sk. Arthur Keable) landed 2671/4 crans of herring grossed £905.
30.8.1951: Sold to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd, Fleetwood (Basil A. Parkes, manager).
1951: Sold to Booth Fisheries Canadian Co Ltd, Winnipeg, Man (Hector Melhuish, manager). Re-engined with 6-cyl 375bhp Crossley (built 1942).
28.02.1952: Registered at Halifax, NS (‘H’ 43).
9.5.1951: Lowestoft registry cancelled.
1954: Registered at Halifax as as RED DIAMOND IV (‘H’43).
1960: Converted to cargo (refrigerated). Halifax registry closed. Registered at Panama.
1985: Vessel removed from Lloyd’s Register of Shipping “Continued existence in doubt”.

Click to enlarge images

M.T. Dauntless Star LT371
Picture courtesy of Ashley Gardiner

M.D/T. Dauntless Star LT367
Picture from the Internet

M.T. Red Diamond IV ‘H’43
Picture courtesy of Roger Griffiths

Changelog
17/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.
15/10/2018: Picture added.

M.T. Thorina – H318

Additional information courtesy of Jan Harteveld, Barry Banham, Mike Thompson, Bob Durrant and Bob Mitchell

Technical

Official Number: 181277
Yard Number: 766
Completed: 1946
Gross Tonnage: 338.51
Net Tonnage: 116.23
Length: 136′ 8″
Breadth: 25′ 6″
Depth: 12′ 6″
Engine: 585bhp 8-cyl 4SA by Ruston & Hornsby Ltd, Lincoln
Built: Cook Welton & Gemmell, Beverley
Speed: 10.5 knots

History

19.03.1946: Launched by Cooke, Welton & Gemmell Ltd, Beverley (Yd.No.766) for Thornton Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood as THORINA.
02.10.1946: Registered at Hull (H318).
02.10.1946: Leslie James Marr appointed manager.
04.10.1946: Completed.
05.1947: Thornton Trawlers Ltd in voluntary liquidation.
06.1947: Sold by the Liquidator to N.V. Visscherijonderneming de VEM, IJmuiden, Holland (MoT ref; G.S.P.7403 dated 13.05.1947).
06.06.1947: Hull registry closed. Registered at IJmuiden (IJM33).
1958: Re-engined with a 6-cyl (720bhp) 4SA oil engine by WUMAG-Krupp, Görlitz, engine made 1944 (U-boat design).
12.01.1960: Sold to Visserijonderneming v/h J.C. Pronk, IJmuiden. Laid up at IJmuiden.
1964: Sold in an en bloc deal with motor trawler ALLAN WATER (IJM34) to Claridge Trawlers Ltd, Lowestoft (J. Leggett manager).
21.08.964: Arrived Lowestoft from IJmuiden with ALLAN WATER in tow (engine disabled due to fractured camshaft housing).
28.09.1964: Registered at Lowestoft (LT402).
04.05.1965: Registered at Lowestoft as ST. GEORGES (LT402) (Sanctioned 02.1965). First registered skipper R. G. Westgate.
17.10.1967: Surveyed after re-engined with a 6-cyl 1100bhp (derated to 954bhp) 4SA oil engine by Ruston & Hornsby Ltd, Lincoln.
09.1980: Chartered to Eon Productions, Pinewood Studios, London for James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” (released 24.06.1981). Disguised as a Maltese trawler and assumed Valletta registration (VA402) for the purpose of the film and fictitiously mined and sunk in the Ionian Sea. On completion of filming returned to Lowestoft and fishing.
17.10.1983: Whilst fishing in heavy weather started to take in water and on return to Lowestoft surveyed and declared a constructive total loss (CTL).
05.1984: Sold to Henderson & Morez Ltd, Gravesend for breaking up.
07.06.1984: Sailed Lowestoft for London River in tow of tug PATMORE (69grt/1958).
23.07.1984: Lowestoft registry closed, vessel broken up.

Click to enlarge images

M.T. Thorina H318
Picture courtesy of The Dave Buckley Collection

M.T. St Georges LT402
Picture courtesy of The Billy Worrall Collection

M.T. Thorina H318
Picture courtesy of The Alan Hirst Collection

M.T. Thorina H318
Picture courtesy of The JJ Collection

M.T. Thorina IJM33
Picture from the Internet

M.T. Thorina IJM33
Picture courtesy of Jan Harteveld

M.T. Thorina H318
Artwork by Jaap De Veies

Thorina Model
Used in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”

Changelog
16/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.
17/01/2017: Added artwork.
21/04/2017: Removed FMHT watermark and added an image.
11/11/2017: Added an image.
06/05/2020: Added an image.

mfv Avoca – FD43

Technical and historical information needed about this vessel. Please contact info@fleetwood-fishing-industry.co.uk

Technical

Part VII Registered
Gross Tonnage: 39
Net Tonnage: 39
Engine: Oil engine 4-cyl 4 stroke 4LW 60bhp by Gardner Engines Ltd, Patricroft, Manchester.

History

1955: Completed by Richard Irvin & Sons Ltd, Peterhead for Richard Irvin & Sons Ltd, North Shields & others as AVOCA. Registered at Buckie (BCK40). 1975: Sold to David S. Wood, Buckie & others.
1977?: Sold to Whitehaven owners. Buckie registry closed. Registered at Whitehaven (WA43).
1978?: Sold to George A. McDonough, Fleetwood.
Post 1988?: Whitehaven registry closed. Registered at Fleetwood (FD43).
1989: Moved to Maryport with the same owner.
1993: Sold for breaking up.

Click to enlarge images

mfv Avoca FD43
Picture courtesy of Frank Pook

Changelog
16/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.

mfv Good Hope – FD354

Technical and historical information needed about this vessel. Please contact info@fleetwood-fishing-industry.co.uk

Technical

Official Number: Part IV registered
Net Tonnage: 28
Length: ?
Breadth: ?
Draught: ?
Engine: 54hp possibly a 4 stroke 4-cyl Gardner 4LW

History

1948: Launched by D. Alexander, Wick as GOOD HOPE Registered at Wick (WK209), Owners Robert A. C. Donn and Others of Latheronwheel, Caithness.
1961: Still Registered as GOOD HOPE WK209. Owner G. F. Donn, Port Dunbar, Wick.
1975: Fishing from Fleetwood. Owned by Wilfred Clark, Fleetwood.
1982: Sold to George R Wilson, Fleetwood.
1984?: Decommissioned
2010: Drylanded at Skippool Creek.

Click to enlarge images

mfv Good Hope FD354
picture courtesy of Frank Pook

mfv Good Hope FD354
Picture courtesy of Mitchy

mfv Good Hope FD354
Picture courtesy of Pauline L Fisher

Changelog
15/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.

M.T. Port of Ayr – FD527

Technical

IMO Number: 7363138
RSS Number: B13822
Yard Number: 88
Completed: 1974
Licence Number: 44763 – 537.3 units
Gross Tonnage: 160
LOA: 32.19 m
Length: 27.51 m
Breadth: 7.40 m
Depth: 3.35 m
Engine: 551kW/739hp oil engine downgraded to 650hp by Alpha-Diesel A/S, Frederikshavn
Speed: 9.1 knots

History

1974: Completed by Ast. del Cadagua W. E. Gonzalez, Bilboa (Yd.No.88) for Gijon Tasuna SA, Bermeo as TXORITXU as a side fishing trawler. Registered at Bermeo.
1994: Sold to Seaflow Ltd London, Hooktone Ltd, Troon manager (Anglo Spanish principals). Converted to a netter/long liner. Registered at Ayr as PORT OF AYR (AR863).
1994: Remeasured after conversion 254g 112n 31,12 (loa) 28,18 x 7,35 x 3,75 metres.
200?: Remeasured 329g.
By 2009: Owned by Overend Ltd, Hooktone Ltd, Ayr managers (Anglo Spanish principals). Registered at Fleetwood as PORT OF AYR (FD527).
29.10.2009: On passage to the fishing grounds. When some 32nm NW of Shetland experienced loud bang from starboard side followed by heavy thumps. Engine stopped and checks found propeller shaft seized. Small ingress of water detected and shored; pumps coping. Disabled, Coastguard informed. Tug SHALDER (538gt/1983) despatched, connected and underway for Sullom Voe.
30.10.2009: Arrived Sullom Voe. Subsequent survey showed a heavy gauge monofilament line round shaft causing seizure and shell plating damage probably caused by granite/steel weight attached to line. Examination found failure of main gearbox pinions and clutch housing. None of the crew held a professional Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC) and there was no English speaker onboard. MAIB commended the crew on efficient post damage control action. Advised the owners to ensure that there is at least one English speaking officer on board its UK registered vessels and that officers hold the required CECs and other professional requirements laid down in the Marine Information Note 242 (M+F) – Certificates of Equivalent Competency – Amendment of Procedures.
2016: Still fishing.

Click to enlarge images

M.T. Port of Ayr FD527

Changelog
15/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.

M.T. Rotha – LT208

Technical

Official Number: 162996
Yard Number: 255
Completed: 1937
Gross Tonnage: 81
Net Tonnage: 34
Length: 75.6 ft
Breadth: 20′ 7″
Depth: 7.5 ft
Engine: 5 cyl 4SA 150 bhp Ruston & Hornsby, Lincoln.
Built: Richards Ironworks Ltd, Lowestoft in 1937

History

1934: Completed by Richards Ironworks Ltd, Lowestoft (Yd.No.255) for L.T.(1934) Ltd, Lowestoft as ROTHA.
07.06.1937: Registered at Lowestoft (LT208). William F. Cockerill Jnr appointed manager.
24.02.1940: Requisitioned for war service as a danlayer. (1-6pdr)(Hire rate £80.12.10d/month).
8.1940: Deployed as an auxiliary patrol drifter.
1941: Renamed ELFIN as base ship.
1946: Reverted to ROTHA (LT208). Paid off.
1946: Returned to owner at Lowestoft.
22.01.1947: Sold to Gordon David Claridge, Wheathamsted, Hertfordshire. Gordon David Claridge designated managing owner.
1948: Sold to Colne Fishing Co Ltd, Lowestoft. Gordon David Claridge appointed manager.
18.01.1949: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to Midland Bank Ltd, London (A).
1955: Lengthened to 82.0 feet remeasured 84grt.
1955: Re-engined with 5-cyl 220bhp oil engine by Ruston & Hornsby Ltd, Lincoln.
1955: Chartered by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (MAFF) along with GULA (LT179) to undertake trials with Spanish pareja trawl (pair trawling).
1940s – early 1950s: Seasonal white fish trawling from Fleetwood
05.1958: Mortgage (A) discharged.
13.05.1958: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to Midland Bank Ltd, London (B).
1971: Company re-styled The Colne Shipping Co Ltd. Gordon David Claridge appointed manager.
1971: At Brooke Marine Ltd, Oulton Broad, whaleback and new wheelhouse and deck house fitted.
Early 1970s: Seasonal whitefish trawling from Fleetwood.
1976: Converted to offshore platform standby safety vessel.
1976: Employed on offshore platform standby safety duties. Fishing registry closed.
1986: Mortgage (B) discharged.
06.1986: Sold en bloc with GULA, 84grt/1936 (ex LT179) and WILLA, 84grt/1935, offshore platform support vessels, to G. T. Services, Barking for breaking up.
04.07.1986: Sailed Lowestoft for River Thames.
29.10.1986: Lowestoft registry closed.

Click to enlarge images

M.T. Rotha LT208
Launch picture from the Internet

M.T. Rotha LT208
Picture courtesy of Peter Green

M.T. Rotha LT208
Picture from the Internet

M.T. Rotha LT208
Picture courtesy of Fred Baker

M.T. Rotha LT208
Picture courtesy of The Keith Mayall Collection

SSV Rotha
Picture courtesy of Trevor Snowling

Changelog
14/11/2016: Page re-published due to site problems.
15/11/2016: Information updated.
21/10/2018: Added an image and removed FMHT watermark.
29/12/2022: Added an image.

M.T. Gula – LT179

Technical

Official Number: 162991
Yard Number: 253
Completed: 1936
Gross Tonnage: 81
Net Tonnage: 33
Length: 75 ft
Breadth: 20′ 6″
Depth: 9′ 9″
Built: Richards Ironworks Ltd, Lowestoft
Engine: 150hp Ruston

History

1936: Launched by Richards Ironworks Ltd, Lowestoft for L.T.(1934) Ltd, (W. F. Cockrell, manager). as GULA
19??: Registered at Lowestoft (LT179).
1946: Owned by Claridge Trawlers Ltd.
1949: Owned by Colne Fishing Co. Ltd.
1955: Colne Fishing Co. Ltd, became Dagon Fishing Co.
1955: Chartered to M. A. F. F. with ROTHA for pair trawling experiment.
1960: Extensively modified.
1973: Employed as ORSV.
1986: Sold en bloc with ROTHA and WILLA by The Colne Shipping Co Ltd (G. D. Claridge) to G. T. Services, Barking (George Tutt) for breaking up.
04.07.86: Sailed Lowestoft for the River Thames.
29.10.86: Lowestoft register closed.

Click to enlarge images