Category Archives: Steam Trawlers

S.T. Leith N.B. FD323

Technical

Official Number: 137631
Yard Number: 556
Completed: 1914
Gross Tonnage: 203
Net Tonnage: 87
Length: 115.5 ft
Breadth: 22.1 ft
Depth: 12.2 ft
Built: Hall, Russell & Co Ltd, Aberdeen
Engine: T.3-cyl by Hall, Russell & Co Ltd, Aberdeen

History

27.8.1914: Launched by Hall, Russell & Co Ltd, Aberdeen (Yd.No.556) for David Dow, Newhaven, Edinburgh & William Carnie, Granton (64/64 joint owners) as LEITH N.B.
10.1914: Completed William Carnie designated managing owner.
10.10.1914: Registered at Granton (GN22).
12.1914: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr) (Ad.No.469).
1918: Sold to David Dowe, Newhaven, Edinburgh. Thomas Y. Carnie appointed manager. Based Granton.
1918: Sold to Ernest Taylor & Noah Ashworth, Fleetwood (64/64 joint owners). Ernest Taylor designated managing owner.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
15.7.1919: Granton registry closed.
18.7.1919: Registered at Fleetwood (FD323).
18.9.1919: Sold to William Flockhart, Jnr, John Brown Flockhart & June Flockhart, Leith (64/64 joint owners). Alexander Flockhart appointed manager.
16.2.1920: Sold to Mrs Grace D. Devlin, John Inglis & Alexander Stewart (64/64 joint owners) c/o Thomas L. Devlin, Granton.
16.2.1920: Fleetwood registry closed.
17.2.1920: Registered at Granton (GN26). Thomas L. Devlin & Robert D. Devlin appointed joint managers.
31.12.1923: Transferred to Thomas L. Devlin & Robert D. Devlin, Leith (64/64 joint managing owners) trading as Thomas L. Devlin & Sons.
11.11.1926: Following the death of Robert D. Devlin, Thomas Leishman Devlin acquired all shares (64/64) and continued to trade as Thomas L. Devlin & Sons.
1935: Sold to Alexander King (64/64), Aberdeen.
12.1935: Granton registry closed.
14.12.1935: Registered at Aberdeen (A389).
26.2.1941: Sold to Charlotte Morrice or King, Aberdeen.
21.12.1945: Fishing in calm weather 27 miles W by N of Noup Head, Westray, Orkney Islands, on hauling after trawl door stove in plate and engine room started to flood. With wireless broken down sounded siren but with no vessels in the vicinity crew of eleven* took to boat and stood off as vessel foundered. Shortly after trawler BEN GLAS (SN336) arrived on scene and took survivors onboard, subsequently landing them at Kirkwall.
29.12.1945: Aberdeen registry closed “Vessel foundered on 21st December 1945 …”.

Survivors* – Sk. Alexander King; Joseph Greig, Mate; George Noble, Ch Eng; A. Raeburn, 2nd Eng; R, Sim, G. Murdoch, J. Murray, G. Ross, James Crockwell, W. Twidale, R. Stockless.

Changelog
25/12/2008: Page published. 3 updates since then.
06/04/2021: Updated history.

S.T. Leam FD290

Additional information courtesy of Bill Blow
Technical

Official Number: 139214
Yard Number: 658
Completed: 1917
Gross Tonnage: 235.71
Net Tonnage: 90.32
Length: 117.4 ft
Breadth: 22.6 ft
Depth: 13.1 ft
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Engine: 430ihp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesbrough
Boiler: Palmers Shipbuilding & Iron Co Ltd, Hebburn-on-Tyne

History

23.12.1916: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.658) for The “Wyre” Steam Trawling Co Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood as LEAM.
20.1.1917: Registered at Fleetwood (FD290) (Magnus B. J. Wedum, manager).
1.1917: Completed. Requisitioned from builders for war service and fitted out as an auxiliary patrol vessel (Ad.No.2995). Based Lowestoft.
Post 12.31919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
1934: Sold to Shields Engineering & Dry Dock Co Ltd (64/64), North Shields (Thomas S. Read, manager).
2.2.1934: Fleetwood registry closed.
24.2.1934: Registered at North Shields (SN11).
6.7.1935: Registered at North Shields as BELLDOCK (SN11).
25.11.1939: Requisitioned for war service appointed for minesweeping duties (Hire rate £60.16.8d/month).
31.1.1940: Returned to owner.
12.1940: Sold to The Crampin Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby.
27.12.1940: North Shields registry closed.
2.1.1941: Registered at Grimsby (GY367).
2.1.1941: Herbert George Crampin appointed manager.
22.5.1953: Herbert Walter Crampin appointed manager.
12.11.1953: Sailed Grimsby for the Shetland grounds (Sk. John R. Dobson); twelve crew.
14.11.1953: Commenced fishing some 5 miles E of Lamba Ness.
16.11.1953: In the afternoon the weather worsened and a SSW gale forced Sk. Dobson to haul the gear and seek shelter in Harolds Wick Bay. The conditions there were not ideal and the ship proceeded further southwards and entered Balta Sound by the south entrance. When approaching Swarta Skerry the skipper took the wheel and despite protests from the 3rd hand, the wheel was put hard a port and shortly afterwards she stranded. Arguments ensued on the bridge and with the engines worked she refloated only to take the ground again at the other side of the channel as the engine was still running astern and no one at the wheel. The boat was launched and although leaking two crewmen managed to leave the ship. The MFV Village Maid (LK3) was in Baltasound and alerted by radio, picked up the two men and then took off the rest of the crew.
17.11.1953: With the assistance of the Village Maid and the kedge, the vessel was refloated and moved into the harbour. Declared a CTL and wreck sold to J. & S. Cameron, Peterhead. Towed to Peterhead. 12.1953: After stripping of non-ferrous metals sold to BISCO and allocated to Malcolm Brechin, Granton for breaking up.
1.1954: Arrived Granton from Peterhead in tow of GEORGE SCOTT (SN270), also for breaking up.
11/12.3.1954: At MoT Formal Inquiry (No.S.424) in Grimsby, the Court found “… that the cause of the strandings of the “BELLDOCK” and her constructive total loss was the very unseamanlike navigation of her due to the fact that her skipper, John Robert Dobson, whilst the “BELLDOCK” was in Balta Sound, was intoxicated, and that this state of affairs was contributed to by the mate, Arthur Leonard Dobson, in that he aided and abetted the skipper in joining with him in drinking to excess.
The Court cannot too strongly condemn the keeping of intoxicants on the bridge of any vessel at any time or the partaking of it in excess, and particularly by officers whilst on or about to start on a fishing voyage. It is to be remembered that the privilege of carrying bonded stores is limited to their intended consumption only when North of Latitude 61 degrees North, and the Court would further emphasize that selfish indulgence in intoxicating liquor, imperilling ships and crews, is contrary to the high standard of discipline set for, and it is hoped will ever be maintained by, that fine body of men the British trawler skippers and crews.” Sk. Dobson’s ticket was suspended for two years and that of his brother, the mate, Arthur L. Dobson for six months and £50 costs.
13.10,1954: Grimsby registry closed. “Vessel broken up.”

Changelog
25/12/2008: Page published. 2 updates since then.
28/09/2015: Information updated.
08/04/2016: Information updated.

S.T. Laureate FD35

Additional information courtesy of Andy Hall and Milford Trawlers

Technical

Official Number: 109890
Yard Number: 372
Completed: 1898
Gross Tonnage: 194
Net Tonnage: 77
Length: 112 ft
Breadth: 21.2 ft
Depth: 11.6 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by A. Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen
Built: A. Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen

History

20.8.1898: Launched by A. Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen (Yd.No.372) for William Hall Dodds, Aberdeen & others as LAUREATE.
2.10.1898: Laid at Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen. At about half past midnight, watchman John Smith was slackening a berthing rope when he stumbled and fell overboard. Gunsmith, John Tait who was onboard heard his cries, jumped into the water and managed to get a rope round Smith and he was quickly rescued none the worse for his immersion.
10.1898: Completed.
6.10.1898: Registered at North Shields (SN257). William H. Dodds designated managing owner.
6.10.1898: Ran engine trials in Cruden Bay. Achieved 11 1/2 knots.
10.10.1898: Sailed Aberdeen for Fair Isle grounds (Sk. Anthony Forster).
17.10.1898: Arrived off Aberdeen, unable to enter owing to strong gale and confused seas.
20.10.1898: At Aberdeen landed from the Fisher Bank catch worth £300.
17.1.1900: Arrived Aberdeen with OCEAN BRIDE (A743) in tow picked up disabled some 60 – 70 miles off Aberdeen.
29.5.1902: At about 1.00am. while entering Aberdeen on the north side of the channel, when near the Pilot’s House, Porch Pier, run into by herring boat NANCY (A219) outwards for the fishing grounds. Damage to the bows of NANCY which was cut to the waterline, towed to Pocra Pier and crew landed.
26.6.1902: Sold to The “Dodds” Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen. William H. Dodds designated manager.
8.1904: Transferred to fish out of Milford (John Pettit managing agent).
5.9.1905: First landing at Milford (Sk. J. W. Beck).
8.11.1905: At Milford landed bosun, Charles Goffem, with a fractured leg.
2.1.1906: Last landing at Milford.
29.11.1906: At Lerwick Sheriff Court, Sk. Peter Petersen, Aberdeen was charged with trawling 21/6 miles off the coast at Walls, Shetland on 22.9.1906. Pleading not guilty the defence, by advocate Mr Stott was lengthy, however the Sheriff found the charge proved and imposed a penalty of £75 or dirty days imprisonment.
1908: Transferred to fish from Oporto, Portugal.
7.9.19808: Arrived Oporto.
2.1910: While boarding another vessel in Oporto, Second fisherman, Thomas Lang (28), Aberdeen, fell overboard and drowned.
30.4.1910: While shifting berth in river Douro, struck submerged rock; subsequent inspection found no damage.
22.6.1910: Arrived Oporto.
1.1911: Sold to G. Puls, Oporto.
14.1.1911: North Shields registry closed.
1.1911: Registered at Oporto as LAUREADO.
1913: Sold to The Dodds Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen.
13.4.1914: Landed at Aberdeen 540 boxes 130 score.
5.1913: Oporto registry closed.
19.5.1913: Registered at North Shields as LAUREATE (SN237). William Hall Dodds designated manager.
12.5.1915: At Aberdeen, landed from Iceland grounds a fine shot of over 500 boxes of medium sized haddocks in excellent condition. Besides a number of halibut, cod and other fish, made £945.
4.6.1915: Picked up crew of steam trawler EBEBEZER (A.892) from a small boat and landed them at Lerwick. EBENEZER had been stopped on 4.6.1915 by U.boat (U19) some 117 miles SWx1/2S of Outer Skerries and sunk.
30.8.1915: At Aberdeen landed 450 boxes and 30 score fish after a 16 day trip, £787 gross.
21.9.1915: At Aberdeen landed 500 boxes and 10 score fish (32 tons) from a 20 day trip to Iceland grounds, £860 gross.
1.12.1915: At Aberdeen landed 320 boxes and 10 score fish (17 tons) from a 15 day trip, owing to scarcity of fish made a record £812 gross.
5.6.1916: Sold to The Hesketh Steam Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood. Ernest Taylor, Thornton-le-Fylde designated manager.
3.1917: At Fleetwood. Fitted with Nordenfelt 6pdr gun (No.269); complement increased by two gunners.
29.5.1917: Requisitioned for Fishery Reserve.
1918: Released.
27.2.1919: North Shields registry closed.
28.2.1919: Registered at Fleetwood (FD35).
2.1919: Ernest Taylor, Thornton-le-Fylde designated manager.
1921: Joseph A. Taylor & Harold Taylor designated managers.
7.11.1921: Fishing from Grimsby. On a North Sea trip (Sk. Dennis Randlesome), picked up two survivors of the Norwegian steamer ALF (1,128grt/1871) which had foundered off Smith’s Knoll Light-vessel.
15.3.1922: Sk. Randlesome presented with a silver cup by the Norwegian Government in recognition of the rescue of the Alf survivors.
1924: Magnus B. J. Wedum designated manager.
1924: Sold to Frederick Swann & George J. Ward, Lytham. Walter Morley, Fleetwood designated manager.
29.8.1925: Arrived Londonderry, Co Londonderry from Fleetwood for repairs.
1926: Sold to George Brown, Leith. George Brown designated managing owner.
7.1929: Sold to Iago Steam Trawler Co Ltd (64/64), Milford Haven.
7.1929: Sold to Frank Thomas Vaughan (22/64), Hakin; Frank P. A. Lock (21/64), Hakin & Albert E. Marchant (21/64), Milford Haven. Frank Thomas Vaughan designated managing owner.
26.7.1929: Fleetwood registry closed.
30.7.1929: Registered at Milford (M29).
8.3.1937: Last landing at Milford.
7.5.1937: Sold to Belgium for breaking up.
1.9.1937: Milford registry closed, breaking up completed.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Laureate FD35

S.T. Laureate FD35
Picture courtesy of James Cullen

S.T. Laureate FD35

S.T. Laureate FD35
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
25/12/2008: Page published. 3 updates since then.
27/02/2015: Picture added.
18/05/2016: Picture added and information updated.
12/11/2017: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.
19/10/2018: Updated information.

S.T. Laura – FD29

Additional information courtesy of David Slinger

Technical

Official Number: 114308
Yard Number: 491
Completed: 1905
Gross Tonnage: 280
Net Tonnage: 96
Length: 127.2 ft
Breadth: 22 ft
Depth: 12 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by Earle’s Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd, Hull
Built: Earle’s Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd, Hull

History

21.1.1905: Launched by Earle’s Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd, Hull (Yd.No.491) for The Fleetwood Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood as LAURA.
9.2.1905: Registered at Fleetwood (FD29), George E. J. Moody, Grimsby appointed manager.
2.1905: Completed.
1.1.1914: Tonnage altered to 110.49net under provision of Merchant Shipping Act 1907.
28.10.1914: Sank the MARY STANLEY (FD117) in collision; crew rescued.
3.1917: At Fleetwood. Fitted with Hotchkiss 6pdr gun (No.1254); complement increased by two gunners.
29.5.1917: Requisitioned for Fishery Reserve.
1.1918: At Fleetwood landed a catch which grossed £6,100 – a new port record.
1919: New boiler fitted (made 1897).
1919: Released. 1921: Sold to Rodriguez Hermanos Rincon, Corunna (BoT approval 16.12.1931).
16.12.1921: Fleetwood registry closed.
12.1921: Registered at Corunna as FERNANDO.
Post 1945 pre 1952: (FATE)?

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Laura FD29

S.T. Laura FD29
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
25/12/2008: Page published. 2 updates since then.
03/08/2016: Information added.
22/03/2018: Added image.

S.T. Lark (1) FD120

Additional information courtesy of Bill Blow

Technical

Official Number: 99184
Yard Number: 346
Completed: 1891
Gross Tonnage: 133.02
Net Tonnage: 47.69
Length: 96.5 ft
Breadth: 20.3 ft
Depth: 10.6 ft
Built: R. Dixon & Co, Middlesbrough
Engine: 400ihp T.3-cyl and boiler by N.E. Marine Engineering Co Ltd, Sunderland

History

Note: Fleetwood’s first viable steam trawler.
8.7.1891: Launched by Sir Raylton Dixon & Co, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.346) for Pioneer Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby as LARK.
23.9.1891: Charles Andrew Marshall appointed manager.
25.9.1891: Registered at Grimsby (GY383).
9.1891: Completed.
2.10.1891: Arrived Fleetwood to land and to operate from the port (Sk.Harry Bird). Walker M. Kelly, Fleetwood, managing agent.
11.2.1906: Off Antrim coast, north-west of Rathlin Island stood by and then with steam trawler TRENT (FD12) connected to Sunderland registered West Hartlepool steamer QUEEN WILHELMINA (3950g/1898) which had lost her propeller nine days previously in the Atlantic 160 miles west of Rockall while on passage Tyne – Baltimore in ballast. Commenced tow to Belfast.
12.2.1906: Off Tor Point, Co. Antrim, at 10.00am. steam trawler WYRE (FD196) came upon them, made fast and assisted in the towage.
13.2.1906: At 4.45pm delivered safely to anchor in Belfast Lough.
23.5.1906: In the High Court of Justice – Admiralty Division, awarded the sum of £1,200 in respect of the salvage of the QUEEN WILHELMINA.
10.5.1907: Sold to Thomas Hudson (64/64), Fleetwood.
10.5.1907: Charles Hudson designated managing owner.
10.5.1907: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to Pioneer Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Grimsby for the sum of £600 with interest at 5% (A).
11.5.1907: Grimsby registry closed.
13.5.1907: Registered at Fleetwood (FD120).
20.11.1907: Mortgage (A) discharged.
2.5.1908: Charles Hudson shares (13/64) sold to Charles Hudson Jnr (13/64), Fleetwood (fish merchant) and shares (5/64) to William Stephen Greening (5/64) (fishing skipper), Fleetwood.
2.5.1908: Charles Hudson remains managing owner.
18.8.1908: Three Bills of Sale. Sold by Charles Hudson (46/64), Charles Hudson Jnr (13/64) and William Stephen Greening (5/64) to Daniel Armour (64/64), Glasgow.
18.8.1908: Daniel Armour designated managing owner.
1909: Sailed to Rangoon to operate as a coaster, tug and tender (Daniel Armour – Master).
2.12.1909: Fleetwood fishing registry (Part IV) closed.
20.12.1910: Fleetwood registry (Part 1) closed.
1911: Registered at Rangoon.
1911: Operated by J. E. Du Bern & Co, Rangoon.
1936: Reported sold for breaking up.

Changelog
25/12/2008: Page published. 5 revisions since then.
09/12/2014: Information updated.
27/10/2015: Updated information.
03/04/2021: Updated history.