Huge crowd pays tribute to port's lost trawlermen

POIGNANT memories of lost East Coast trawlermen mingled with pride in a once-great industry yesterday at the annual tribute in Hull.

More than 6,000 people from the area have been lost to families over the years.

Controversy surrounded this years open-air memorial service amid fears the traditional gathering place on the Bullnose, St Andrew’s Dock, may be ruled out by health and safety fears.

But the noon service did go ahead on the traditional site, attracting a huge turn out.

Fishing Heritage group Stand, which has organised the service since 1989, was relieved the spiritual home of the city's fishing industry could be used.

Prayers were said and hymns sung in memory of those who paid with their lives to make Hull one of the greatest fishing ports in maritime history.

Wreaths were laid at the gates to the old fish dock by bereaved families and civic dignitaries. Flowers were cast on the river.

Ron Wilkinson, treasurer of Stand, underlined the importance of the event to the families of those who never came home.

People of all ages attended the event which has become a focus for the outpouring of grief over the community’s loss.

He said: “When you lose someone at sea it is not like losing someone where if you feel like it you can go and sit at the cemetery or lay flowers.

“Relatives often feel there is no place for them to go and grieve and this service brings together everyone who had an involvement in the fishing industry.”

There were question marks over this year’ taking place on the traditional spot after thieves stole an 800 generator and copper piping from a building used to shelter families and former fishermen.

There was also concern that a spate of vandalism and theft on the former dock might have left the land unsafe.

However organisers were determined to stick the St Andrew’s Dock venue because of its special place in Hull’s maritime heritage: The Bullnose was the last bit of land the sailors saw before they set out to sea – many of them never returned.