Sponsors
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors
Registration number
899
Status
Registered
a12admin
Details
Function
Fishing Vessel
Location
Woodbridge
Vessel type
Thames Bawley
Current use
Commercial Activity
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Info required
Yes
Construction
Builder
Aldous & Sons, Brightlingsea
Built in
1938
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Inboard
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Length: Overall
36.98 feet
(11.28m)
Tonnage: Gross
11.00
History
ALPHA is reported to have been damaged by a bomb whilst in build at Brightlingsea and later suffered damage once again as the result of an explosion whilst on mine-sweeping duties in World War II. During her subsequent fishing career, she took part in demonstrations against EU fishing policies by sailing up the Thames to Westminster. This led to her being de-commissioned but she was saved by her owner from being destroyed and went on to work as a maintenance vessel for Southwold harbour. In 2007, she was re-fitted to return to life as a sailing trawler and was re-registered as CK 180.
In June 2020 it was reported that the vessel is in need of a major re-build, currently on the River Deben in Suffolk.
Key dates
-
1938
Built by Aldous of Brightlingsea
-
1940.1945
Served during World War 2
Grants
-
January 2012
A Sustainability Grant of £1000 for timber was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships UK
Sources
Dennis & Sons Ltd, ETW, Olsen's Fisherman's Nautical Almanack 1998, pp6-2, Edition 122, 1998
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, The English Welsh and Northern Ireland Fishing Vessel List, MAFF, June 1997
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
