Tag Archives: Lost

S.T. Exmouth FD336

Technical

Official Number: 127096
Yard Number: 514
Completed: 1912
Gross Tonnage: 236
Net Tonnage: 92
Length: 120 ft
Breadth: 21.1 ft
Depth: 11.7 ft
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd Selby
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by Charles D. Holmes & Co Ltd, Hull

History

5.3.1912: Launched by Cochrane & Sons, Selby (Yd.No.514) for The Western Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Milford Haven as EXMOUTH.
20.4.1912: Registered at Bristol (BL16). Sydney M. Price designated manager.
25.4.1912: Completed.
8.1914: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-3pdr) (Ad.No.146).
9.10.1914: Based HMS Vernon Portsmouth. Employed on minesweeping training (Lieut. G. K. Courtis RN).
2.1915: Renamed EXMOUTH II.
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Milford Haven and reverted to Exmouth (BL16).
7.1919: Sold to Vulcan Steam Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood. Joseph A. Taylor designated manager.
7.1919: Bristol registry closed.
26.7.1919: Registered at Fleetwood (FD336).
1.5.1925: Sold to Ora Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood. Magnus B. Wedum designated manager.
16.2.1930: Arrested by HMS LIFFEY trawling within the Isle of Man three mile limit.
14.3.1930: At the High Bailiff’s Court, Douglas, Sk. William Arthur Stanley was fined £50 with costs.
8.1.1933: Off Point of Ayre at about 3.45 am run into by Liverpool steamer MIRIAM THOMAS (430g/1920) sustaining damage to port quarter.
9.1.1933: Returned to Fleetwood.
6.6.1933: In the evening in thick fog 2 miles NW of the Point of Ayre, Isle of Man in collision with CEVIC (FD7) sustaining damage to stem and bow plating. Around midnight arrived Fleetwood.
16.4.1937: Off Belfast Lough involved in collision with Belfast steamer HELEN CRAIG (417grt/1891) on passage Belfast – Preston with generals.
17.4.1937: Company changed address in Fleetwood.
2.3.1938: Sailed Fleetwood for West of Scotland grounds between Inishtrahull and Dhu Artach Light (Sk. Ernest Edwards); eleven crew.
9.3.1938: Decided to change grounds and at 1.15 a.m. departed for fishing grounds in the neighbourhood of Otter Rock. In a heavy swell from the westward and strong westerly wind set course S.1/2 W. for Oversay Light. At 4.5 a.m. in thick swirling mist stranded at Smaull Point, west coast of Islay, about 9 miles north of Oversay (55.491/4N 6.271/2W) about 50 yds from shore. Attempted to refloat with engine and lowered boat but making water in engine room. Boat damaged and vessel listed with waves breaking over. Wreck seen from farmhouse window by local girl, Margaret MacFayden, who roused household and cycled four miles to Machrie to warn coastguards. Crew fired rocket line and assisted ashore by local men led by William MacEarchern; three crew lost*. Port Askaig lifeboat launched but on arrival vessel was abandoned and breaking up.
24.3.1938: Declared total loss. Fleetwood registry closed.
16.5.1938: At the BOT Formal Investigation (No.S.395) held at Fleetwood, the Judge concluded that the stranding and subsequent loss would appear to be attributable to the conduct of the Bosun, John Sumner, who lost his life; Sk. Ernest Edwards was found not to blame. The Assessors did not sign the report.
17.5.1938: It was the opinion of the Assessors that the Skipper failed to realise his responsibility for the safe navigation of the vessel and in so doing was responsible for the stranding. It was their opinion that his ticket should be suspended for 9 months.

* John Sumner, Bosun; Frank Walmsley, 2nd engineer (swept off the lifeline by heavy seas when line parted) and Henry Crisp, fireman (swept overboard from after part of vessel).)

Note
The Board of Trade awarded a binocular glass to Mr Wiiliam MacEarchern for leadership and courage displayed in connection with the rescue of the crew on 9 March 1938 and monetary awards to Mr Allan MacEarchern, Mr Donald MacLellan, Mr James Brown and Miss Margaret Macfayden.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Exmouth FD336

S.T. Exmouth FD336

S.T. Exmouth FD336

S.T. Exmouth FD336
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
21/01/2009: Page published. 3 updates since then.
05/06/2016: Information updated.
22/06/2016: Information updated.
11/08/2020: Updated history.
04/03/2022: Added an image.

S.T. Davara FD152

Note: First British trawler lost in WWII

Technical

Official Number: 132409
Yard Number: 517
Completed: 1912
Gross Tonnage: 291
Net Tonnage: 116
Length: 130.0 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.5 ft
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by Charles D. Holmes & Co Ltd, Hull

History

6.1.1912: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.517) for The Mount Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood as DAVARA.
6.3.1912: Registered at Fleetwood (FD152).
14.3.1912: Completed (George E. J. Moody, Grimsby, manager).
11.1914: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-6pdr HA) (Ad.No.523). Based Larne.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
8.6.1930: In Wyre Channel, one of 23 trawlers inbound, when a few hundred yards from lock pit found channel blocked by trawlers NELLIE BRADDOCK (FD175) and ERNA (FD158) aground on Tiger’s Tail. Swept by tide and also took the ground. Refloated on next tide and entered Wyre Dock.
193?: W. M. Kelly appointed manager.
12.9.1939: Sailed Fleetwood for fishing grounds (Sk. William Boyles).
13.9.1939: When in a position 21 miles NWby N of Tory Island, Co. Donegal, U-boat (U.27) closed and opened fire (at least 35 rounds); twelve crew escaped in damaged boat. Trawler sunk at 2.55 p.m. by gunfire and after five hours in boat constantly baling, crew picked up by the West Hartlepool steamer WILLOWPOOL (4815grt/1925) and landed safely.
19.9.1939: Fleetwood registry closed “Sunk by enemy submarine”.

(Crew (all Fleetwood unless stated) – Sk. William Boyles; G. T. Pugh, Mate; W. Spall, Bosun; A Scott, Ch Eng, Thornton; J. Higgins, 2nd Eng, Burn Naze; E. Prentice, D. G. Gall, C. S. Hunter & H. R. Wright, deckhands; R. O. Welch & J. Gregger, firemen; C. W. Sharpe, cook).

Note: In August 1939 with the prospect of conflict in the offing, several trawler owners on both the East and West Coast recalled their vessels and delayed the sailing of others. Once War was declared, however, and with markets suffering from a lack of supplies, many trawlers returned to sea thinking that on the West Coast at least, the War might be slow to get under way. They were not to know that many German U-boats were already moving into positions to the West of Ireland and outboard of the Western Isles – both areas favoured fishing grounds of the Fleetwood trawling fleet. On Tuesday 12 September 1939, the Mount Steam Fishing Co’s DAVARA (FD152) commanded by Skipper William Boyles and a crew of eleven, sailed from Fleetwood for the West of Scotland grounds. In the early afternoon of Wednesday 13 September she was in a position some 21 miles NNW of Tory Island, County Donegal when she was closed by the U-boat, U.27 which with the deck gun manned, commenced shelling the DAVARA. Despite damage Skipper Boyles managed to get the boat into the water and with all the crew onboard the trawler was abandoned. The shelling continued for about half an hour and thirty five rounds were counted, the DAVARA sinking at 14.55. The crew were in the boat for five hours constantly baling and rowing and were exhausted when picked up by by the West Hartlepool steamer WILLOWPOOL (4815grt/1925) and landed safely.

Click to enlarge picture

S.T. Davara FD152

S.T. Davara FD152
Picture courtesy of RossallBeach.com

S.T. Davara FD152

S.T. Davara FD152
Inboard of Meuse

Changelog
21/01/2009: Page published. 7 updates since then.
30/05/2016: Information updated.
01/06/2017: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.

S.T. Cerealia FD165

Additional material courtesy of Bill Blow

Technical

Official Number: 118944
Yard Number: 335
Completed: 1905
Gross Tonnage: 220
Net Tonnage: 92
Length: 122 ft
Breadth: 21.7 ft
Depth: 11.3 ft
Built: Cochrane & Sons, Selby
Engine: 450ihp T.3-cyl and boiler by Charles D. Holmes & Co, Hull

History

24.1.1905: Launched by Cochrane & Sons, Selby (Yd.No.335) for Grimsby Alliance Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby as CALABRIA.
2.1905: Completed.
27.2.1905: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to William Chesman, Grimsby for the sum of £3000 with interest at 5% (A).
28.2.1905: Frederick Barter Coulson appointed manager.
28.2.1905: Registered at Grimsby (GY50).
10.8.1908: Mortgage (A) discharged.
8.1908: Sold to Akties Fiskeriselskab Norden, Fredershavn.
20.8.1908: Grimsby registry closed. Renamed GUDRUN.
5.1910: Sold to Grimsby Alliance Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby.
1910: Remeasured on return to British flag – 115.05n
1.6.1910: Registered at Grimsby as CEREALIA (GY549).
1.6.1910: Frederick Barter Coulson appointed manager.
30.6.1910: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to William Chesman, Grimsby for the sum of £1700 with interest at 5% (A).
26.6.1911: George Thomas Mitchell appointed manager.
28.6.1913: Mortgage (A) transferred to Barclay & Co Ltd, London.
12.1914: Requisitioned for war service as an auxiliary patrol vessel (1-3pdr) (Ad.No.674).
22.1.1916: Mortgage (A) discharged. Based Egypt.
23.3.1918: Sold to Savoy Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby.
25.3.1918: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to Rowland Hill (64/64), Grimsby for the sum of £5000 with interest at 6% (B).
27.3.1918: Henry Croft Baker & John Lawrance Green appointed managers.
4.6.1918: Mortgage (B) discharged.
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Grimsby.
7.5.1919: Sold to Noah Ashworth, Rowland Morris & Ernest Taylor, Fleetwood (64/64) joint owners).
10.5.1919: Joseph Allen Taylor appointed manager.
12.5.1919: Grimsby registry closed.
15.5.1919: Registered at Fleetwood (FD165).
25.11.1920: Stranded on Jager Rock, Jura, Sound of Islay (Sk. Carrill). Subsequently declared a Total Loss.
6.12.1920: Fleetwood registry closed “Totally lost”.

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Cerealia FD165

S.T. Cerealia FD165
Picture from the Internet

Cerealia Crew

Cerealia Crew
Picture courtesy of The Jeffrey Pullen Collection

Changelog
27/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.
05/10/2015: Crew picture added.
05/09/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from images.
11/11/2019: Updated information.

S.T. Caldew FD347

Additional information courtesy of The Hull Trawler Website, Geoff Davidson and Patrick Conaghan.

Technical

Official Number: 128769
Yard Number: 1580
Completed: 1914
Gross Tonnage: 257
Net Tonnage: 115
Length: 129.7 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.7
Engine: 97hp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesbrough.
Boiler: Blair & Co Ltd, Stockton-on-Tees
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, North Shields

History

5.10.1914: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, North Shields (Yd.No.580) for James Thomas, Milford Haven (managing owner) as MARISTO.
11.1914: Completed.
6.11.1914: Registered at Milford (M14).
9.6.1915: Landed 200 kits of hake for record £954.
12.1915: Requisitioned for war service as an armed trawler (1-12pdr) (Ad.No.1978).
1917: Based at Portland. In company with HMTrawler CALIPH (Ad.No.133)(M197) attacked a German submarine and claimed an unconfirmed kill.
16.10.1917: Sold to The “Wyre” Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood (Magnus B. J. Wedum, manager).
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
10.9.1919: Milford registry closed.
11.9.1919: Registered at Fleetwood (FD347).
30.9.1921: Registered at Fleetwood as CALDEW (FD347).
14.2.1931: In gale force winds and driving snow, at 3.00am. responded to distress call to Malin Head Radio by Finnish steamer MALVE (1488grt/1917) (Capt Boxberg) stranded on Tiree whilst on passage Tallin to Manchester with wood pulp and timber. With steam trawlers DHOON (FD54) and RIVER CLYDE (FD418) stood by to render assistance. Vessel refloated on flood after pumping out ballast and moving 40 tons of cargo from No.3 to No.4 hold, and went to anchor in Balephetrish Bay, Tiree. Wind freshened and started to drag, with insufficient steam, drove ashore among rocks, held fast and making water. Crew abandoned and landed on Tiree. Vessel was a total loss.
12.11.1931: At Fleetwood, Sk. James Crewdson was fined 20s by Magistrates for excessive use of the steam whistle in the Wyre Channel to the annoyance of the public.
16.3.1935: Fishing the St. Kilda grounds (Sk. Edward Harris). At 10.30am. when hauling SW of the islands and with the radio operator, Christopher Cramer (23)) on the winch, when he had completed his task he disappeared over the side. The crew dashed to the rail and as he came up for the second time a deckhand grabbed Cramer’s foot and hauled him safely onboard.
25.3.1935: Sailed Fleetwood for St. Kilda and Butt of Lewis grounds (Sk. Edward Harris); twelve crew.
6.4.1935: While trawling on grounds south of Gigha, at about 7.55 a.m. in collision with the OSPRAY II (FD129) (Sk. Robert Kelly) which suffered damage aft of wheelhouse on starboard side and shell plating holed in the bunker. Despite efforts to save her and attempt to beach, vessel filled rapidly and crew abandoned and lay to until vessel sank at about 8.35 am. Picked up by the CALDEW and returned to Fleetwood.
7.12.1935: BOT Formal Investigation (S.375) found Sk. Edward Harris and Sk. Robert Kelly both in default and suspended Sk. Harris’s ticket ticket for twelve months.
30.9.1937: Arrived Fleetwood with steam trawler LOWTHER (FD347) (Sk.T. Barcock) in tow having picked her up off the Flannan Islands, disabled with broken tail shaft. The trip of 400 miles was accomplished in 60 hours in moderate weather.
31.1.1938: On arrival at Fleetwood, Sk. John Wilson reported that he had heard Sk. Anderson of the steam trawler BOSTONIAN (FD41) calling the Boston control ship TEKOURA (FD12) on Friday 21st at 5-30pm. while he was off Eagle Island. BOSTONIAN was lost south of Barra in severe weather conditions; no survivors.
6.3.1938: On the grounds off the Donegal coast (Sk. William Wright). Trawl warp parted whipping across the deck and encircling two men. Realising that they were both severely injured Sk. Wright called Killybegs Radio Station and arranged for an ambulance to meet the ship. Made best speed for Killybegs, Co. Donegal.
7.3.1938: On arrival, driven across the county and deckhands Emmanuel Clarke (44) and William Carter admitted to hospital in Donegal. Clarke did not respond to treatment and died that night as a result of his injuries.
1938: Sold to Saint Andrew’s Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Hull (Basil A. Parkes, Cleveleys, manager).
22.2.1939: Off Mull of Galloway, stood by submarine L.21 which had broken away from tug in gale force winds while on passage from Portsmouth to Messers W. H. Arnott, Young’s yard at Dalmuir, for breaking. Unsuccessfully tried to connect, abandoned and proceeded. L.21 was subsequently recovered by the Glasgow tug CHIEFTAIN (196grt/1930 860ihp) and delivered Dalmuir.
16.9.1939: Sailed Fleetwood for Faroe Island grounds (Sk. Thomas Joseph Kane); twelve crew.
21.9.1939: At Faroe landed fireman D. Morris, Blackpool due to illness; transferred to hospital at Tveraa.
24.9.1939: Whilst fishing off the Faroe Islands stopped by U-boat (U.33), sunk by gunfire in position 60.47N 06.20W after crew ordered into boat. Crew picked up by Swedish steamer KRONPRINSESSAN MARGAETA (3765grt/1914).
27.9.1939: Steamer stopped by German destroyer FRIEDRICH IHN crew removed and interned in Germany. Five years and seven months first in Sandbostel and later Milag 8.
18.10.1939: Fleetwood registry closed “Sunk by enemy submarine”.

(Released 1945: Albert Cook, Mate; Thomas Payne, Chief Engineer; Charles Ellis, Bosun; deckhands, Harold Ashwell, George Triffett and Alec Mulholland; fireman, Hector Pearson. Skipper Thomas Kane; Fredrick Rowe, 2nd Engineer and deckhand George Brooks had been exchanged for German prisoners in Lisbon in June 1943. Cook, John Shutterlin had been repatriated via Gibraltar in January 1945. Source IWM BU4665)

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Caldew FD347

S.T. Caldew FD347

S.T. Caldew FD347

S.T. Caldew FD347
Picture courtesy of David Slinger

S.T. Caldew FD347

S.T. Caldew FD347
Picture courtesy of David Slinger

The crew of Caldew in the POW camp

The crew of Caldew in the POW camp

Changelog
21/01/2009: Page published. 7 updates since then.
12/12/2015: Added information.
15/06/2016: Updated information.

S.T. Annie Melling (1) PN61

Technical

Official Number: 114913
Yard Number: 785
Completed: 1906
Gross Tonnage: 221
Net Tonnage: 85
Length: 117.6 ft
Breadth: 21.6 ft
Depth: 11.5 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl by Shields Engineering Co Ltd, North Shields
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, North Shields

History

8.2.1906: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, North Shields (Yd.No.785) for Henry Melling, Preston (managing owner) as ANNIE MELLING.
3.1906: Completed. Registered at Preston (PN61).
1907: Owners became The Melling Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood (Henry Melling, Preston, manager).
4.1915: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1- 6pdr) (Ad.No.1593).
12.1918: Returned to owner at Fleetwood (Melling Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood (Henry Melling, Preston, manager)).
1921: Sold to Thomas F. Kelsall, Fleetwood (managing owner).
11.8.1922: Lost after collision off Tobermory.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Annie Melling PN61

S.T. Annie Melling PN61
Picture from the Internet

Changelog

21/01/2009: Page published. 3 updates since then.
29/12/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from image.