Trawler reopens to visitors after renovation work

Stuart HarrattEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageNorth East Lincolnshire Council A group of people stand in front of the Ross Tiger trawler in Grimsby Docks, The ship has a black hull with white and orange superstructure and a grey funnel with a white star on it. Nautical flags fly from the main mast and the Red Ensign is on the stern staff. North East Lincolnshire Council
The Ross Tiger is the centrepiece of the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre

A former trawler has reopened to visitors after undergoing restoration work.

The Ross Tiger is berthed in Grimsby Docks and forms part of the town's Fishing Heritage Centre tourist attraction.

It was launched in 1957 and spent three decades fishing in Arctic waters before becoming a support vessel for North Sea oil rigs.

The entire ship has been painted inside and out and repairs and replacements carried out on its mast and other equipment where needed.

After its retirement in 1991 the ship was bought by North East Lincolnshire Council for just £1 to form the centrepiece of the maritime museum.

David Ornsby, operations manager at the centre, described the ship's reopening as a "momentous occasion".

"We're delighted that in Ross Tiger's 70th year afloat we can do this extensive work that will help to keep her looking as she should for Grimsby and our visitors," he said.

There are tours of the ship by former trawlermen six days a week and visitors can book via the museum reception.

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