Historic steam trawler Viola's return to Hull moves a step closer

The Viola pictured in South Georgia with Elsa Davidson, curator of the South Georgia Museum and the Viola's bell.

A PROJECT to bring a Beverley-built steam trawler back to the Humber has taken a major step forward with confirmation from the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) that it is prepared to release the vessel – one of the few left which fought in the Great War.

Supporters of the campaign – who include Hull City Council, Alan Johnson MP and a number of businesses – will now progress to the next stage of the Viola venture by setting up a trust to lead the fundraising effort.

Mr Johnson and Matt Jukes, Chief Executive of Hull City Council, issued a joint statement after meeting with Paul Escreet, Chairman of Hessle-based SMS Towage Ltd, and Dr Robb Robinson, of the University of Hull’s Maritime Historical Studies Centre, to discuss conditions outlined in a letter from the GSGSSI.

They said: “The Viola is an important part of Hull's maritime heritage. There is a consensus amongst the City Council, leading businesses, local MPs and many other interests that we should now do all we can to return this iconic ship to Hull.

“We are delighted to have confirmation from the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands that, in principal, they will release the ship subject to reaching agreement on conditions which we are working on."

The Viola, which is also known as the Dias, was built in Beverley in 1906 and sailed off to war in September 1914 with a crew of fishermen after being requisitioned by the Admiralty. She was in the maritime front line throughout the Great War and involved in sinking two U-boats but has yet to return to Hull from that wartime voyage – working around the world as a trawler, a whaler and a sealer.

In 1982 the Viola was one of the vessels targeted by Argentine scrap metal merchants in the landing which sparked the Falklands War. Last year she was featured in a set of stamps which were released in South Georgia.

Mr Escreet and Dr Robinson came up with the idea of bringing back the Viola to promote Hull’s nautical heritage and the marine engineering skills which will carry out the repatriation and restoration of the vessel.

SMS Towage sent experts to South Georgia to carry out a survey of the vessel, and last July Hull City Council confirmed its commitment to provide a new home for the Viola as a centrepiece of a maritime heritage project.

In confirming support for the project Colin Roberts, Commissioner for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, said he hoped the Viola could be back in Hull to form part of the City of Culture legacy programme. He also set out a series of conditions designed to safeguard the future of the Viola and ensure that GSGSSI does not become liable for any of the project costs.

A statement from the GSGSSI said: “The GSGSSI has indicated its agreement in principle to the project of salvaging the Viola and returning her to the UK for restoration and display in the city of Hull.

"In reaching this decision GSGSSI has taken into consideration its policy on the transfer and loan of heritage items and the advice and views of its Heritage Advisory Panel and other stakeholders. GSGSSI will require that the project meet certain conditions and has proposed a preliminary discussion with the leaders of the project to consider the feasibility of the project.”

Mr Escreet has already received support from the local business community, including expertise in legal and financial matters, and will now work towards setting up a trust to manage the project.

Dr Robinson said: “Subject to reaching agreement on conditions outline by GSGSSI we believe the way is open for us to move forward. The project has the backing of a wide range of business interests in Hull and area.

“This little craft is a real reminder of the forgotten, heroic and absolutely crucial role that fishermen and fishing vessels from this port and so many other fishing communities around the British coasts played in the Great War. It will be wonderful if we can finally secure its return.”