Releasing fish from a trawl net onto the fish deck

This recreation scene in the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre shows a crew member releasing the end of the trawl net to allow up to two tons of fish to fall onto the fish deck where other crew members gutted the fish before they were cleaned and fed down a chute into the fish room below where they were packed in ice.

Conditions for this work were extremely dangerous, with crew working in continual spray and cold winds, without lifejackets or safety lines, on a deck which pitched and rolled, and had very low sides (to allow the nets to be pulled aboard), and was very slimy with the fish on it. Many crewmen were swept overboard, while others were injured in falls and slips.

It's hardly surprising that working on a trawler was one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK. It is estimated that over 5000 lives of fishermen from Grimsby were lost on trawlers at sea during the 20th Century.

Ian

[Peter H]

A sobering thought.

[Casablanca]

Goodness, you don't realise the history behind your plate of fried fish, do you? Fascinating.

[Nina Ganci]

My goodness, this capture reminds me of my father that worked on a fishing boat. He too suffered under the terrible seas and conditions
fav

[Joy]

Nice shot

[Beth]

What a interesting operation you've captured. I'm glad you've let us know the dangers of this type of work.

[gloria jones]

Great capture and interesting information

[Pyrrhula]

Looks very familiar to me. Have done this many times.
( Indeed hard work. At most 4/5 hours sleep a day. But I love it. )

[Steve and Pam Winfield]

Great photo I bet it was hard times then fav:)

[bkb in the city]

Great shot

[Fisher Family]

@peadar @casablanca @ninaganci @joylay @vernabeth @seattlite @pyrrhula @stevepam @bkbinthecity

Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated!

It was a fascinating experience looking around the museum and trawler, and being reminded of all the hardships faced by those who worked on a traditional trawler. It takes a particularly tough character to work in such demanding circumstances.

Ian