‘We will remember them’: Memorial event marks 50th anniversary of Gaul tragedy
POIGNANT: The memorial event today marking the 50th anniversary of the loss of Gaul
By Angus Young
A moving minute’s silence has been observed at a memorial event in Hull marking the 50th anniversary of the loss of the trawler Gaul.
All 36 crew were lost when the vessel sank in the Barents Sea off Norway on February 8, 1974.
Most of the men were from Hull and some from North Shields, where the trawler was previously based when she sailed under the name Ranger Castor, although radio operator John Doone was from Brierfield near Burnley in Lancashire.
ART: The new mural in Boulevard commemorating Gaul
The tragedy remains the biggest loss of life involving a single British trawler.
Families and representatives from the two communities gathered on a rainswept Hessle Road in west Hull this morning to remember the lost crew members.
Retired Hull trawlerman Michael Finn read the names of the Hull crew while his North Shields counterpart Brian Chambers read the names of the six from Tyneside.
REMEMBRANCE: Former Hull trawlerman Michael Finn reading the names of the Hull crew
The ship’s bell – recovered from the wreck along with its nameplate – was then sounded before the silence was observed. Floral tributes were also laid.
Speaking at the event, Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy said the large turnout in appalling weather showed how important the loss of the trawler was to so many people.
She said a four-day series of events commemorating the tragedy starting today was a tribute to the hard work of all those involved in organising them.
Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Kalvin Neal said the event showed the bravery of the men who went to sea in the dangerous Arctic waters would never be forgotten.
A new mural on the side of the Hull Fishing Heritage Centre in Boulevard was also unveiled today. Painted by Hull-based tattoo artist Neil Deanes, it depicts Gaul at sea.
Events being held over the next three days organised by the Gaul 50 steering group include a number of heritage walks and talks, live music, memorial-themed sports fixtures and a special civic service at Hull Minster on Sunday, starting at 2pm.
The ship’s bell and nameplate, both recovered from the wreck
A local schools’ art exhibition is also being displayed at venues including the fishing heritage centre, Boyes and Asda on Hessle Road, St John the Baptist Church in St George’s Road, Hull History Centre in Worship Street and the minster.
The ship’s bell – which is kept in Hull – and the nameplate – kept in North Shields – will also be displayed together in the minster.
TRIBUTE: Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy speaking at the event