Arctic Corsair facts for kids
Arctic Corsair in 2005
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Arctic Corsair |
| Owner | Boyd Line, Hull |
| Port of registry | Hull |
| Builder | Cook, Welton & Gemmell, Beverley |
| Yard number | 959 |
| Launched | 29 February 1960 |
| Out of service | 1993 |
| Renamed |
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| Identification |
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| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Diesel side-fishing trawler |
| Tonnage | 764 GRT, 256 NRT |
| Length | 187.1 ft (57.0 m) |
| Beam | 33.6 ft (10.2 m) |
| Installed power | 1,800 bhp (1,300 kW) |
| Propulsion | 6-cylinder Mirrlees Monarch diesel engine |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h) |
The Arctic Corsair (H320) is a special deep-sea trawler built in 1960. It was turned into a museum ship in 1999. You can find it in Kingston upon Hull, England, at Alexandra Dock. Soon, it will move to a new permanent home in the city's Museums Quarter. On board, you can learn all about Hull's history of deep-sea fishing.
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Meet the Arctic Corsair
The Arctic Corsair is the last "sidewinder trawler" from Hull. This type of ship was very important for the city's fishing fleet. It was built in 1960 by Cook, Welton & Gemmell in Beverley. It was the second diesel-powered trawler for the Boyd Line company. The ship was made to handle the tough conditions near Iceland. Its hull was riveted (joined with strong pins) instead of welded.
Adventures at Sea
A Foggy Collision
In September 1967, the Arctic Corsair was sailing off the coast of Scotland. It crashed into an Irish ship called the Olive in thick fog. The Arctic Corsair got a hole in its side! It tried to reach Wick harbour but had to be beached (pulled onto the shore). Luckily, it was repaired and floated again.
World Record Breaker
In 1973, the Arctic Corsair made history. It broke the world record for catching the most cod and haddock. This amazing catch happened in the White Sea.
The Cod Wars Incident
On April 30, 1976, during the "Cod Wars," the Arctic Corsair had a dramatic encounter. The Cod Wars were disagreements between Britain and Iceland about fishing areas. The Icelandic patrol ship Óðinn tried to cut the Arctic Corsair's fishing ropes. The Arctic Corsair then bumped into the back of the Óðinn. The skipper, Charles Pitts, said the Icelandic tactics were getting "more dangerous." The Arctic Corsair was damaged below the waterline. The Royal Navy helped with temporary repairs. Skipper Pitts decided to head home for full repairs. The ship was out of action for several months. Years later, in 2017, both ships (now museum ships) exchanged their bells as a sign of friendship.
Later Fishing Years
In 1978, the Arctic Corsair was changed to do "midwater trawling." This is a different way of fishing. In 1981, it was put out of use in Hull. But in 1985, it was brought back and changed again for normal fishing. In 1988, its name was changed to Arctic Cavalier.
Becoming a Museum Ship
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In 1991, a group called STAND started a campaign. They raised money to save the trawler. In 1993, Hull City Council bought the ship. It was then renamed Arctic Corsair again. The ship was docked in the River Hull to become a museum.
Volunteers from STAND helped restore the ship. The floating museum opened to the public in 1999. STAND and the City Council work together. Volunteers help maintain the ship and give tours. Today, volunteers run the museum, with support from Hull City Council. The Arctic Corsair is currently closed for more restoration work.
In 2018, it was announced the ship would move for flood defense work. On August 4, 2019, it moved to Alexandra Dock. Later, it will move to a new permanent spot. This new home will be in the redeveloped North End Shipyard. This is part of the Hull Maritime City project. On October 6, 2021, two tugs moved the ship to Dunston's shipyard for restoration.
See also
- Middle-water trawler Ross Tiger, last surviving vessel of the rival fleet across the Humber at Grimsby
- Viola (trawler) Middle-water traditional 'bridge-aft-sider' trawler. In derelict condition with hopes of regeneration.
