Author Archives: George Armitage

sv Pursuit – FD4

Technical

O.N.17219.
Registered net tonnage: 34
Net tonnage: 29
Rig: Smack

History

W/c 22.08.1825: Launched by Miller, Cowes for Trinity Board pilot William Bridge as PURSUIT.
25.11.1840: Arrived Cowes with disabled ship EVERETHA (Capt Darley) from Sydney, in tow, picked up under jury rig with total loss of foremast and main and mizzen topmasts, ten days previously. Cargo wool and mail.
By 1840: Arrived Fleetwood from Cowes to supplement the Lancaster pilot boat GUIDE which also worked at Fleetwood. With little commercial traffic, equipped with beam trawl and engaged in fishing, breaking off to board a pilot as required. The first smack to trawl out of Fleetwood.
From 1843: On hire to The Admiralty as required, Capt. H. Denham and Cdr J Richards RN conducting survey, Formby Point to Firth of Solway. Chart published 9th August 1850.
10.1854: Sold to Robert Roskell & others trading as The Fleetwood Fishing Company.
21.10.1854: Registered at Fleetwood (FD4).
By 1860: Owned by Robert Wilson, Fleetwood.
4.2.1862: When some 20 miles west of Blackpool (Sk. R. Wilson) picked up 3 puncheons of whisky marked “McNab, Glenochil” or “John Bold, Carse Bridge”.
5.2.1862: Landed at Fleetwood to Mr Walker, Receiver of Wrecks for the District, total landed by all fishing boats, 39 puncheons, some 7,100 gallons of proof spirits, the duty of which would be upwards of £3,500. Value ex duty from £800 to £900, the boats would expect to receive salvage of one third.
By 1884: Stripped and abandoned at Fleetwood. Fleetwood registry closed.

Changelog
14/07/2023: Page published.

sv Mary James – CO6

Additional information courtesy of Maurice Voss and Christine Simm

Technical

Official Number: 78323.
Tonnage: 47n.r.t.
Built: J.W. & A. Uphams, Brixham
Rig: Ketch

History

1878: Completed by J.W. & A. Uphams, Brixham for John Petherbridge James, Brixham as MARY JAMES.
27.8.1878: Registered at Brixham (DH102).
8.11.1878: Off Start Point in gale force NNW winds with heavy squalls and violent showers, fell in with the Penzance smack IDEA (PZ482), which had her mainsail blown away while fishing and had become unmanageable. Connected and delivered Brixham.
4.3.1880: Put a fisherman onboard the Halifax, Nova Scotia, schooner CORA (56n.r.t./1851), Antwerp for Hong Kong with general, having a portion of her cargo shifted. Piloted to anchor in Tor Bay.
1.10.1886: At about 9.30pm, one of eight trawlers fishing under full sail in a SSE wind. Suddenly the wind fell away to dead calm followed by a full gale from the NNW, throwing the smack to lee and carrying away the mainsail. The gale lasted for about one hour during which canvas was reduced and a jury mainsail rigged to enable a return to Brixham.
30.4.1887: Reported that the smack had sailed to fish in the North Sea, one of sixteen trawlers that had left Brixham for the East Coast to date.
9.1.1890: Returned to Brixham with loss of her trawling gear, having parted the trawl warp about twenty fathoms from the shackle when fishing on the Clumps off Start Point.
23/24.1.1890: Following a series of gales, eighteen large steamers sought shelter in Tor Bay, one of whom, while riding the gales, lost her anchor and cable.
25.1.1890: Smack engaged to recover which was undertaken successfully.
13/14.10.1891: Gale force winds on the South Devon coast. Fishing near Berry Head, nearly all the Brixham trawler fleet were caught with their trawls down and suffered damage to sails, masts and rigging. Mizzen mast carried away. All smacks belonging to Brixham safe.
10/11.11.1891: In a S then SSE gale switching to WNW gale in the forenoon, parted the trawl warp and lost all her trawl gear.
6.9.1892: Mr John Petherbridge James (73), 1 Torbay Terrace, Brixham passed away following a heart attack.
24.9.1892: Mr S. T. Dugdall will sell by auction on Saturday at Banfield’s George Hotel, the fishing ketch, “MARY JAMES.”
10.1892: Sold to Thomas Lee Manchester, Westfield, Pwllhelii, Carnarvon.
1.11.1892: Brixham registry closed. Registered at Carnarvon (CO6).
30.12.1889: Converted to ketch rig.
1900: Sold to Arthur Anderson, Wholesale Fish Market, Liverpool & others. Arthur Anderson designated managing owner.
1903: Sold to Arthur Anderson and Robert McEwan Anderson, Wholesale Fish Market, Liverpool. Arthur Anderson designated managing owner.
1911: Sold to John H. Collins, 39 Derwent Street, Stratford, Manchester. John H. Collins designated managing owner.
14.2.1811: Arrived Glasson Dock (Herbert, master) from Fleetwood for docking and survey by Nicholson & Sons.
1915: Change of address. John H. Collins, 42 Park Road, Stratford, Manchester.
1918: Change of address. John H Collins “Yvoemar” Abercrombie Road, Fleetwood.
5.6.1918: At Fleetwood Police Court, two lads were charged with stealing 161/2 lbs of soles, value £2 8s from the smack, the property of Joseph Holmes. William Mellor, mate, stated that he locked up the smack at 5.30pm on the 2nd June and when he returned at 6.00am the following day he found that someone had broken into the trawler and the soles were missing. Early that morning, John Croft, fishermen saw the accused in his punt in which they had the stolen fish. Croft reported the lads to the police and they were arrested. Each lad was bound over for 12 months.
4.1920: Sold to René Vandeput, Oostende. Carnarvon registry closed. Registered at Oostende as MARY JAMES (O45).
1920: Remeasured – 32,24n.r.t.
19.10.1921: Registered at Oostende as GENERAL JACQUES (O160).
27.6.1922: When some 4 miles SWbyW of the Noordhinder Lightship, struck a mine and foundered. Crew picked up and landed safely. Oostende Registry closed.

Changelog
20/06/2023: Page published.

S.D/T. Floreat – BCK25

Additional information courtesy of Andy Hall and Christine Simm

Technical

Official Number: 128357
Yard Number: 54
Completed: 1908
Gross Tonnage: 93
Net Tonnage: 32
Length: 86.00 ft
Breadth: 18.60 ft
Depth: 9.7 ft
Engine: C.2-cyl by Vauxhall & West Hydraulic Co, Luton

History

5.1908: Completed by Charlton & Doughty Ltd, Grimsby (Yd.No.54) as a drifter for Alexander Reid, Portgordon & others as FLOREAT.
4.6.1908: Registered at Buckie (BCK25). Alexander Reid managing owner and skipper.
25.7.1908: In Balta Sound, Unst, Shetland, collided with sail boat FLOWER o’ BUCHAN (FR945); both vessels sustained damage.
21.3.1909: Sailed Portgordon for Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.
18.5.1910: John Henderson, fireman, 8 Duff Street, Inverness was injured when the drifter was on passage from Stornoway to Inverness and near Kirkwall. Henderson, who was in the engineroom, lost his balance when the ship gave a slight lurch and his right foot slipped between the well plates and the crank pinion crushing his ankle. Henderson weekly earnings were 32s and as a result of the accident, the owner paid compensation up to 14th October 1912 after which he was offered a lump sum of £10 to discharge any claim in full. This settlement was refused.
5 & 26.11.1913: At Banff Sheriff Court a case was brought by Henderson for further compensation for his accident but on account of conflicting medical evidence the case was adjourned for further investigation.
29.12.1913: At Banff Sheriff Court the adjourned case was reviewed on the confirmation by the medical referee that Henderson’s incapacity was entirely as a result of his accident on 18th May 1910. The Sheriff found for the pursuer that he was entitled to further compensation in that he could only do light work. To be paid 15s per week from 14th October 1912 to 21st March 1914 and thereafter at the rate of 10s per week. The pursuer also entitled to expenses.
5.6.1915: Picked up nine man crew of Aberdeen steam trawler EBENEZER (A892) sunk by U.boat the previous day in the North Sea and landed them at Lerwick.
6.1915: Requisitioned for war service as a net drifter (1-3pdr) (AD.No.2204). Based Malta.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Buckie.
8.12.1921: At about 5.00pm, against a NW wind, left Cluny Harbour, Buckie with six sail boats in tow. Before reaching the Mucks, three boats cast off and made sail, the other three being towed past the beacon, when the third boat, SPEEDWELL (WK76), Sk. William Bain, parted her tow rope and was swept towards the reef. The Buckpool steam drifter VINTAGE (BF574), Sk.James Slater Snr with steam up, witnessed the incident and left the quay at best speed with the crew clearing away the punt, steamed to windward of the SPEEDWELL which was now on the rocks, holed and heeled over. The punt was launched with James Slater Jnr, Alex Grant, Peter Bruce and William Hay and with a rope attached veered down on the wreck. At considerable risk they took onboard the crew, Wm. Bain, John Mackay, Donald Mackay, Angus Mackay Samuel Mathieson and Alex Bain and were hauled back to the VINTAGE. Landed in the outer basin.
18.5.1918: The South Fleetwood Fishing Co Ltd, London incorporated with an initial capital of £1,000 subsequently increased to £100,000, the issued capital being £63,705.
2.1919: Sold to South Fleetwood Fishing Co Ltd, London for the sum of £5,500.
2.1919: Alexander Reid designated manager with a salary of £500 per annum and 21/2% of profits, subsequently reduced to £300 per annum.
15.12.1921: Compulsory winding up order made on the petition of Charles Jeffs, Fleetwood, heard at Bankruptcy Buildings, London. Figures furnished by directors show liabilities in the neighbourhood of £18,955 and assets of £9,336. Because of difference of opinion as to who should be the liquidator, Court to appoint a liquidator.
16.12.1921: STEAM FISHING VESSELS. There will be exposed for Sale by Public Roup, within the DOUGLAS HOTEL, Aberdeen, on WEDNESDAY, 28th December 1921, at 12 o’clock noon – (1) STEAM TRAWLER “K. M. HARDY,” of Aberdeen; length B/P 138.8 feet; built 1919. (2) STEAM TRAWLER “M. J. REID,” of Aberdeen; length 138.7 feet; built 1919. (3) STEAM DRIFTER “FLOREAT,” of Buckie; length B/P 86 feet; built 1908. (4) STEAM DRIFTER “VICTORY,” of Banff; Length B/P 81.30 feet; built 1905. (5) STEAM DRIFTER “THE GORDONS,” of Buckie; length B/P 70 feet.
2.12.1923: Sold to Charles W. Wink & J. H. Wink, Grimsby. Buckie registry closed.
29.12.1923: Registered at Grimsby as (GY351). Charles W. Wink designated managing owner
1.1925: Sold to Walter Harold Beeley & others, Grimsby. Walter H. Beeley designated managing owner.
7.1929: Sold to John Wood, Portknockie & others.
4.7.1929: Grimsby registry closed.
7.1929: Registered at Banff (BF101). John Wood designated managing owner.
1933: Sold for breaking up. Banff registry closed.

Changelog
08/052023: Page published.
18/05/2023: Updated information.

sv Fanny – ?? ??

Technical and historical information needed about this vessel. Please contact webmaster@fleetwood-trawlers.info

Additional information courtesy of Christine Simm

Technical
Official Number: 6741
Completed: 1849
Net Tonnage: 31nrt

History
1849: Completed at Sandwich as FANNY.
20.5.1850: Registered at Hull O.N.6471.
By 1860: Hull registry closed. Registered at Fleetwood.
22.8.1860: Fishing off Blackpool in company with the smack MACKEREL. In the evening a severe gale setup and they were forced to stop fishing. Sighted the schooner CATHERINE (115nrt/1845) of Dundalk (Adair, master) in distress with fore and main topmasts carried away and in only five fathoms of water; the schooner had sailed from Fleetwood that day. The smacks closed, connected and commenced tow to Fleetwood, bringing her near Shell Wharf.
23.8.1860: In the morning, CATHERINE brought into harbour by the paddle tug ADJUTANT (80grt/1858).
By 1870: Owned by James Clarke, 11 Lester Street, Liverpool. Fleetwood registry closed. Registered at Liverpool. Possibly trading.
1887: No longer in MNL.

Changelog
01/02/2023: Page published.

sv Mackerel – ?? ??

Additional information courtesy of Christine Simm

Technical
Official Number: 17221
Completed: 1831
Net Tonnage: 23 nrt
Remeasured: 17nrt
Rig; Smack – trawling
Built: ??, Whitehaven

History
1831: Completed at Whitehaven.
7.4.1850: Registered at Whitehaven O.N.17221. Owned by Ebenezer Cox, Fleetwood.
28.2.1854: Fishing off the Isle of Man (Sk. Jones, Hoylake). Brought into Whitehaven the brigantine RICHARD WRIGHT (Capt Violet) of St. John’s, New Brunswick, bound Liverpool for Boston with coals and salt, picked up with her sails set a short distance SW of the Calf of Man. From the extent of damage along the whole length of the starboard side, the bulwarks of which were stove in, it was evident that she had been run into by another vessel. Both topgallant masts were snapped off, her main rigging torn from the plates and much other damage.
2.3.1854: Having telegraphed the Liverpool agents of the RICHARD WRIGHT, Capt. Violet, the master arrived in Whitehaven. Capt. Violet stated that they left Liverpool on 25th February and about midnight on the 27th the mate on watch saw an approaching vessel and hailed her to put her helm about; there was no response and a collision ensued, the RICHARD WRIGHT being crushed under the water. Capt Violet and his crew managed to reach the other vessel, which proved to be the brigantine VIOLANTE (115nrt/1853)(Kelly, master), from Liverpool for Troon. Capt Violet asked Capt Kelly to stand by to determine the fate of his ship but he refused and put back to Liverpool arriving on the 28th, the same day the RICHARD WRIGHT was brought into Whitehaven. The VIOLANTE had part of her starboard bulwarks carried away, lost her jib-boom and figurehead in the collision.
6.2.1855: Reported that at Whitehaven Police Court, Sk. John Wilson, fisherman Henry Croft and Sk. Rueben Ball of another smack in Whitehaven, were charged with stealing a quantity of rope from the smack. They had been observed by P.C. Heslop removing the rope from the smack and he watched them take it to the shop of a marine dealer, Fox. P.C. Heslop informed the daughter of Mr Cox and the following day Mr Cox arrived from Fleetwood and Wilson and Croft were taken into custody. The MACKEREL had no reason to put into Whitehaven due to stress of weather and those charged had no right to remove the rope. Wilson and Croft had been employed by Mr Cox for three months. Martha Ward, a servant in the employ of Mr Fox recognised all three men but could not tell which one of them had received the money. Reuben Ball admitted being with the them when they took the rope and as none of them spoke in their defence they were committed for trial at the ensuing Cumberland Assizes.
1859: Whitehaven registry closed. Registered at Fleetwood.
1859: Remeasured 17n.r.t.
1860: Fishing out of Fleetwood.
22.8.1860: Fishing off Blackpool in company with the smack FANNY. In the evening a severe gale setup and they were forced to stop fishing. Sighted the schooner CATHERINE (115nrt/1845) of Dundalk (Adair, master) in distress with fore and main topmasts carried away and in only five fathoms of water; the schooner had sailed from Fleetwood that day. The smacks closed, connected and commenced tow to Fleetwood, bringing her near Shell Wharf.
23.8.1860: In the morning, CATHERINE brought into harbour by the paddle tug ADJUTANT (80grt/1858).
1862: Fleetwood registry closed. Registered at Whitehaven.
16.1.1869: Two fishermen from the smack, were drinking in Nag’s Head, public house in Whitehaven the previous night when Robert Robinson, the worst for drink, had an altercation with his wife and struck her a blow which resulted in her death. Both men gave evidence at the subsequent Inquest where the Jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against Robert Robinson.
1865: Owned by James McBain, Whitehaven.
18.1.1869: At Whitehaven Police Court, Robert Robinson was committed for trial on the charge of manslaughter.
1869: Sold to Robert Cowman, Whitehaven.
1870: Sold to William B. Cowman, Whitehaven.
10.8.1877: Trawling standing north from Ravenglass (Sk. John Taylor), running with the strong tide and ahead was the Port Glasgow registered steamer DUNVEGAN CASTLE (255grt/1868)(Capt Duncan Campbell) on the same course. She had sails set, flags up but no smoke and Taylor thought she wanted a pilot. At about 7.00 am hauled the net with the change of tide. The steamer was going ahead but she would not have cleared the South Head as she was making nothing to windward and was dropping to leeward towards the shore. Overhauled the steamer about mid-day, carrying two flags, but could not fetch the vessel on the first reach but fetched her on the second. The wind was slacking with a nasty sea and surf towards the shore. Closed the steamer and said “I think that you’re disabled”. The master said he wanted to put the mate ashore. At this time she was about abreast the Sea Cote Hotel at St. Bees, not at anchor and drifting, between her and Whitehaven lay the South Head and the North Head. She was about a quarter of a mile from the breakers. Taylor put the smack round the steamer and ran across her stern and the mate jumped in the rigging. The smack was run as near to the breakers as possible and the mate was taken ashore in the punt. With the punt recovered the smack beat out to seaward. The DUNVEGAN CASTLE could not beat out of the bay in the state she was and the sail she had. The Whitehaven paddle tug PRINCE OF WALES (152grt/1862) (Capt William Atkinson) at the direction of the mate of the DUNVEGAN CASTLE, who had arrived at the Harbour Master’s Office, with the Harbour Master, Capt Thomas Mann onboard, sailed for St. Bees to give assistance. Arriving off St. Bees at about 3.30pm they found the DUNVEGAN CASTLE at anchor about a mile and three-quarters from the shore and embayed. The steamer was taken in tow and arriving off Whitehaven the master insisted that he was towed to Silloth and when only a couple of miles north there was something wrong with the boiler and the PRINCE OF WALES returned to Whitehaven.
15.9.1877: Fees for salvage claimed and towage contested in court at Wigton, Cumberland. The DUNVEGAN CASTLE was disabled with machinery trouble and under sail at the time of the incident. After hearing from all the witnesses and over five hours in session, the Bench awarded £65 for towage services, which included £5 for the MACKEREL and costs.
1883: Sold to Mrs Helen Paterson, Palnackie, Kirkcudbright.
1884: Sold to James A. Ross, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye.
1894: Sold to Roderick McLeod Kyleakin, Isle of Skye & others.
1899: Whitehaven registry closed.

Changelog
01/02/2023: Page published.