HATS OFF TO ...
CREWS DIED TRYING TO SAVE OTHERS
the Hull Bullnose Heritage Group, which is planning to install plaques in Hessle Road to honour two Hull trawler crews who perished trying to save others.
Those on board the Lorella and Roderigo showed incredible bravery and courage in the winter of 1955 in trying to help a stranded trawler, but 40 lives were lost.
It’s vital we never forget out maritime heritage.
NEW plaques could be installed in Hessle Road as early as January to honour two Hull trawler crews who perished trying to save others.
Both the Lorella and Roderigo were safely berthed in a sheltered bay while storms raged in Icelandic waters in the winter of 1955.
But the skippers of both vessels had heard one of their fellow trawlers was in trouble. A wire had got entangled in the propeller of the stricken Kingston Garnet out in the open sea.
Thinking nothing of their own safety, the brave crews headed back out into the treacherous waters to help out.
Both the Roderigo and the Lorella perished on the weekend of January 25 and 26, 1955, sinking off Iceland’s infamous North Cape with the loss of 40 lives.
Now, new plaques are set to be installed in the latest project by the Hull Bullnose Heritage Group.
Chairman Ray Coles said: “These trawlers were not simply lost at sea, they left a safe haven to help another vessel in distress. Every one of the crew members lost their lives.
“They were in a nice comfy place, but they went back into that living hell to try to save those guys.
“The vessels returned to one-in-ahundred-year gales and knew all too well they were putting their lives in danger.
“They went above and beyond the call of duty. They are heroes.”
Mr Coles is looking for family members so the group can get their thoughts on the design of the plaques.
He said: “I have been in touch with the Civic Society and they want more input from the families of those who were lost on these trawlers about the design of the plaques.
“The Riverside Area Committee is also backing us and we hope we might have the plaques in place for the anniversary later in January 2019.
“I am in touch with some relatives, but if there are any more out there we would really like to hear from you.”
Mr Coles, who has already been instrumental in installing bethel boards in Hessle Road, wants a civil plaque honouring the men to be installed.
He said: “There are plaques for other skippers within the fishing industry and there is no question there should be a plaque for the Roderigo and Lorella in Hessle Road.”
Any relatives who want to have their input on the design of the plaques should call Mr Coles on 01482 212153.