Former seafarers wanted for trawler attraction

Volunteers with a seafaring background are being sought to work as visitor guides on a historic trawler.

The Arctic Corsair is due to reopen as a tourist attraction in Hull in 2026, the city council said.

Built in 1960, the ship is the city's last surviving sidewinder trawler and will become the star exhibit at a new maritime museum.

Hull Maritime Foundation, which looks after the vessel, has received a £20,000 grant from The Seafarers' Charity to help the recruitment process.

Deborah Layde, chief executive of the charity, said: "The maritime sector has a rich heritage in the UK and beyond, and there is no one better placed to educate the next generation than someone with lived experience.

"Unfortunately, all too often former seafarers can struggle with issues like isolation and loneliness after a life at sea.

"That's why this initiative is such a great opportunity for both the volunteers and the visitors involved with the Arctic Corsair."

The ship is undergoing restoration work before being moved to its new berth at the revamped North End Shipyard on the River Hull.

The Arctic Corsair was involved in the Cod Wars in the 1970s and rammed an Icelandic gunboat during the dispute.

In 1973, the ship broke the record for landing the greatest weight of cod and haddock from the White Sea.

The vessel is being refurbished as part of the Hull Maritime project, which also includes the restoration of Queens Gardens and the Maritime Museum.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact HEY! Volunteering.

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