This article is about a past event, its information is not current.
This year marks 50 years since the tragic disappearance of the fishing trawler Gaul and the loss of all 36 crew members on board.
Fishing communities in North Shields and Hull will come together on 21 to 22 September to remember the men who never returned home. The weekend of memorial events will honour the six crew members from North Shields and the 30 from Hull.
At the Fishermen’s Mission, we are honoured to be part of these moments of remembrance alongside fishing families and the wider community.
“The loss of the Gaul was absolutely monumental,” says Peter Dade, our North Shields Mission Area Officer. “It was a massive tragedy and a stark reminder that fishing remains one of the most dangerous peacetime occupations.”
While the anniversary is a time to reflect on the tragedy, it is also an opportunity for families and communities to come together.
“The positive in this is the link between the families in North Shields and Hull,” Peter says. “This weekend will be a time of remembrance and coming together.”
Memorial events in North Shields
Everyone is welcome to join the Fishermen’s Mission and around 80 fishing families for the memorial weekend.
Events include:
- A service at Christ Church Parish Church on Saturday, 21 September
- A wreath-laying service at Fiddler’s Green Fishermen’s Memorial on Sunday, 22 September
These gatherings will give families, friends and the wider fishing community an opportunity to honour the memory of the Gaul crew and reflect on the risks fishermen still face at sea today.
You can download the full Gaul 50 Memorial Programme using the button below.
For further information and updates, visit the North East England Fish Mish Facebook page.
