Our History
From tragedy to a trusted part of the UK’s fishing communities, our story is one of faith, action, and people.
Discover our journey
In 1881, a terrible storm shocks the Eyemouth Community as nearly 200 fishermen lose their lives close to shore. Moved to action, Ebenezer Mather learned more about the conditions of his local fishing community and created the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen – a lifeline for people whose work carried enormous risk but also immense dignity.
Almost 150 years after Ebenezer Mather founded our charity, the same compassion and urgency guides us to support fishermen across the country.
1800s: The Fishermen's Mission takes root
The Black Friday tragedy in Eyemouth claims the lives of 189 fishermen. Standing amongst the families watching from the shore was Ebenezer Mather, a devoted Christian from the Thames Church Mission.
Mather visits sailing fleets on the Dogger Bank and is appalled by the terrible conditions that fishermen are living and working in. That winter, he founds the National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen with the motto ‘Preach the Word; Heal the Sick’.
With help from two skippers, Budd and Barnes, the Mission’s first ship, the Ensign, sets sail from Gorleston, complete with a chapel, dispensary, and living quarters for the Mission Superintendents aboard.
We publish news articles and letters in our first printed edition of Toilers of the Deep. Toilers of the Deep continues its publication through the years. We hold copies at our Head Office and the British Library. Early requests for fundraising and support messages in the Toiler of the Deep read ‘Will readers kindly remember that help may be rendered to the Mission by annual subscriptions, collecting boxes and cards, drawing room meetings, sales of work, sales of waste paper, circulation of this magazine and above all by prayer.”
The Mission now owns 6 vessels and employs 60 people. Each crew member carries a ticket with their photos and service record.
Queen Victoria grants us with royal patronage. We become the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.
1900s: Wartime service and expanding support
Mission ships evolve into floating community hubs: part hospital, part chapel, part home away from home. Fishermen could find medical care, clothing, books, or simply companionship.
Mission centres become cornerstones of coastal life. As one Grimsby writer put it: “At sea, men fought a battle to earn a living and to survive. At home, their wives brought up families always fearing the worst, the dreaded knock on the door of the man from the Mission bringing bad news.”
During the Second World War, we relocate from London to Padstow and continue serving fishermen and their families through the traumas of war and loss.
When the Triple Trawler Tragedy strikes Hull, 58 fishermen lose their lives. Our staff are there to deliver the heartbreaking news and support devastated families.
2000s: Modernising the UK’s leading fishing charity
While still we are still officially The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, we adopt the name most people know today: The Fishermen’s Mission (or, affectionately, The Fish Mish).
Our first 24/7 Mini-Centre opens in Troon. It’s a new model for providing practical, flexible help on the quayside, complete with showers, washing machines, Wi-Fi, and a warm welcome.
2010s to today: Always moving forward
We improve our uniforms – replacing reefer coast with up to date harbour-side safety wear, hi-vis vests and jackets, and new design Personal Flotation Devices – mirroring the recommended safety kit for fishermen.
COVID-19 sends us home, but our work continues, with our head-office staff assisting with welfare and support calls to fishermen across the UK.
We refresh our brand’s colours to mirror the bright yellows and deep blues of the working harbour.
Out story continues
From the storm-tossed North Sea to the harbours of Cornwall, we are there – and we will be far into the future!
Every generation of fishermen brings new challenges, but our purpose remains the same: to be there for fishermen and their families in body, mind, and spirit.