Features

The Viola lies in the port of Grytviken on the South Atlantic island of South Georgia.

The Viola in Grytviken harbour

Like many trawlers from our region it was pressed into service in World War One as an armed patrol vessel; hunting U-Boats in the North Sea. Other trawlers were used as minesweepers, keeping the sea lanes clear for shipping.

As well as in combat, many ships were lost as they continued to fish; falling prey to German naval attacks and mines.

There was a huge loss of  both lives and trawlers. According to local historian Alec Gill, 128 Hull trawlers were lost in the Great War. This figure represents over 25% of the whole fishing fleet. Grimsby boats saw similar losses.

The service of remembrance in Grytviken Church

The Viola survived the war unscathed. After the conflict she was renamed the Dias and headed to South Georgia, to work as a seal catcher.

The ship lies rusting in the harbour at Grytviken, next to the South Georgia Museum. There are plans to set-up a trust to restore the trawler to its former glory.

The Vice-Rector from Christchurch Cathedral, Stanley on the Falkland Islands, came ashore from a cruise ship to conduct a remembrance service in the local church.

The Goverment Officer Pat Lurcock rings the bell

The ceremony was attended by members of the British Antarctic Survey and construction workers based on the island, as well as some of the passengers from a passing cruise ship, the Clipper Adventurer.

A minute silence was held followed by the ringing of the ship’s bell by the Government Officer, Pat Lurcock.