Shipwreck of old steam fishing trawler uncovered in Rosslare
Memories of an iconic shipwreck on the Burrow in Rosslare have been stirred up by the re-appearance of the remains of one of the last ever coal-burning steam trawlers which went aground there nearly 60 years ago.
The Anchorite, an old steam fishing trawler broke her moorings in Rosslare Harbour in 1963 and went ashore at Rosslare Strand, with subsequent efforts to re-float her proving unsuccessful.
For years, the shell of the 614 tonne vessel was a landmark in the area with people using it as a destination point for walks but after Wexford County Council arranged for it to be cut up in the 1980s, due to it being considered a public health hazard, the skeleton of the Anchorite disappeared under the effects of coastal erosion.
Last week, the waterline of the trawler began protruding out of the sand again following strong south east winds and fond memories of the wreck which became a climbing frame for local children, re-emerged along with the ghostly shape.
Des Peare, secretary of the Rosslare Lifeboat Memorial Committee said the marooned trawler was an iconic sight on the
Burrow for many years and people often walked to the wreck.
Built as a steam trawler for fishing it was commandeered as a mine sweeper during the Second World War and returned to fishing in 1945, later being sold to John Marr and Son in Hull before being transferred to Fleetwood Port and was believed to be the last coal-fired steam trawler to land fish in the port.
In 1963, she was sold for scrap to Haulbowline Industries in Cork and was on route to Passage West when she developed engine trouble off the Conybeg Lightship and was towed to Rosslare Harbour. She broke her moorings in the harbour and ran aground on the Strand of Rosslare, approximately five miles north of the Rosslare Lighthouse. On February 11, 1963, she was driven further ashore in a bad storm.
Des said there was a man on board who was looked after by local people in the area.
The wreck was sold to a Mr. P. Roche of Killinick who salvaged what he could from the vessel and left the rest.
The shell of the trawler remained on the beach for many years and became part of the landscape. However, as it rusted and deteriorated, the local authority became concerned about it being a public danger and arranged for it to be cut up and removed.
The waterline of the vessel which was embedded in the sand, eventually disappeared, only to re-emerge sporadically, depending on storm activity. It hadn’t been seen for some time up to about 10 days ago when it re-appeared from its sandy burial ground, sparking excitement around the village and a rush to take photographs of the relic before it vanished again.