I have just returned from Grytviken in South Georgia near the Antarctic.
On the beach there is an old abandoned steam trawler. Named `DIAZ`.
She was built in 1906 in Beverley, Hull for the Hellyar Fleet and named `VIOLA` H868.
She served in the first World War as an armed patrol ship with a gun on deck.
She sailed out of Hull and Fleetwood, does anyone have any family connections then??
In 1927 she was sold to the Argentinians, renamed `DIAZ` and registered in Buenos Aires. She was used as a whaler and sealer.
When I was there the man who looks after the Museum said there was someone interested in bringing her back to the UK for preservation.
It would be a very expensive job considering the distance of around 10,000 miles. Does anyone have any news of that??
I have photos of her.
Cheers
Captain Kong.
Good Evening Captain Kong,
I remember talking to you at the boating lake early this week. I have asked Jim Porter to come visit this post as he is the Man who looks after the Steam and Sail side of the trust.
We have no record of the Viola but i have read other sites that have information on her. Im sure Jim will contact you in here and try to piece together some history on her.
(06-07-2009 11:34 PM)Alan Duggan Wrote: [ -> ]Good Evening Captain Kong,
I remember talking to you at the boating lake early this week. I have asked Jim Porter to come visit this post as he is the Man who looks after the Steam and Sail side of the trust.
We have no record of the Viola but i have read other sites that have information on her. Im sure Jim will contact you in here and try to piece together some history on her. She is the oldest steam trawler in the world.
Hi Alan.
Thanks for that, I have a photo of the model of the Viola which is in the Museum in Grytviken and a photo of her lying on the beach there.
On Google there are quite a few intersting sites on the Viola and its history.
(06-09-2009 12:59 PM)Captain Kong Wrote: [ -> ]Hi Alan.
Thanks for that, I have a photo of the model of the Viola which is in the Museum in Grytviken and a photo of her lying on the beach there.
On Google there are quite a few intersting sites on the Viola and its history.
I have been looking through my books mainly the Cook Welton & Gemmell one as they built her and i have found history up until 1999. We have also asked Gil who does a great job of researching the vessels to look into her aswell.
If your willing to share any images we would be very greatful. My email is info@fleetwood-fishing-industry.co.uk
(06-09-2009 07:31 PM)Alan Duggan Wrote: [ -> ] (06-09-2009 12:59 PM)Captain Kong Wrote: [ -> ]Hi Alan.
Thanks for that, I have a photo of the model of the Viola which is in the Museum in Grytviken and a photo of her lying on the beach there.
On Google there are quite a few intersting sites on the Viola and its history.
I have been looking through my books mainly the Cook Welton & Gemmell one as they built her and i have found history up until 1999. We have also asked Gil who does a great job of researching the vessels to look into her aswell.
If your willing to share any images we would be very greatful. My email is info@fleetwood-fishing-industry.co.uk
Good morning Captain Kong
My apologies for taking some time with this response but I have been trying to establish a Fleetwood connection for Viola.
From the research carried out by Gil it would appear that she never sailed from Fleetwood and, according the remit of the site I wouldn't be able to use the picture on the site.
However, research goes on and it is possible that she was an occasional visitor and that would alter the case and I would be happy to post it.
In any case, I have some (small) knowledge of and interest in whale catchers having been on board several in Albany W.A. and would be grateful if you would send the picture. That way if anything does turn up that connects her to Fleetwood I can get her on line immediately.
It's very good of you to offer to send this picture.
Jim
I have been told that efforts to repatriate Viola have been ended as too expensive but I believe her bell has been returned to the UK.