Drifters Collection

Lowestoft, Suffolk, Herring Drifters off the Fishing Grounds Date: circa 1920s

Whitby Fishermen
A fishing fleet of Scottish Drifters in Whitby harbour, Yorkshire, England

Fishing boats seen here tied up and deserted in Lowestoft harbour after a busy and bustling herring season 18th March 1933

Fishing fleet at Brixham, Devon laying idle in harbour during the fishermens strike - July 1952 C3320

Fishing boats, Great Yarmouth, early 1900s

Quay at Great Yarmouth - Herring Harvest 1905
Steam drifters engaged in herring fishery lying alongside. The curiously shaped double baskets seen on the floor are called lasts

Great Yarmouth fishing fleet (black and white photographs)
5998121 Great Yarmouth fishing fleet (black and white photographs) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Great Yarmouth fishing fleet)

Fishing fleet at Brixham, Devon laying idle in harbour during the fishermens strike - July 1952 C3320

Fisherman on the quayside look longing at the boats of Fishing fleet at Brixham, Devon, which are laying idle in harbour during fishermens strike - July 1952 C3320-001

Boats of Fishing fleet at Brixham, Devon, which are laying idle in harbour during the fishermens strike - July 1952 C3320-002

The Herring Fishing fleet moored in harbour at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England 1923

Isle of Man - Peel Bay - Steam Drifters and Fishing boats. Date: circa 1910s

A tramp sitting next to a fire
A tramp sitting next to the fire he has made. A pot is boiling over it. Date: C. 1920s

The Fishing Fleets in the North Sea: A Night Scene off the D
A picture by Fortunio Matania depicting the smaller boats delivering their boxes of fish to a carrier. The large carrier is the first to transport the fish from the trawlers

British drifter fleet at sea, WW1
A British drifter fleet at sea during the First World War, when many fishing drifters were converted for naval use. Date: 1914-1918

British drifters in harbour, Taranto, Italy, WW1
British drifters which took part in the Otranto Barrage, an allied naval blockade in the Adriatic during the First World War, seen here at anchor in the harbour at Taranto, Italy

Poster depicting herring drifters in the North Sea
Poster for the Empire Marketing Board, depicting herring drifters in the North Sea

Hms Queen at Taranto
HMS Queen, trawlers and drifters at Taranto, Italy

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"Drifters: Navigating the Seas of Suffolk's Fishing Heritage" Step back in time to Lowestoft, Suffolk, where herring drifters once ruled the waves. These majestic vessels were a common sight off the fishing grounds, their sails billowing against the wind as they embarked on daring expeditions. Whitby fishermen also played a vital role in this maritime tale. With their expertise and unwavering determination, they braved treacherous waters to bring home bountiful catches. Their legacy lives on through stories passed down from generation to generation. In Great Yarmouth during the early 1900s, fishing boats dotted the horizon like stars in a night sky. The bustling harbor was alive with activity as these hardworking sailors prepared for another day at sea. Each boat carried hopes of abundant fish and prosperous returns. These they were not just vessels; they were symbols of resilience and unity within coastal communities. Families relied on them for sustenance and livelihoods depended on successful voyages. As dawn broke over Great Yarmouth's shores, these brave souls set sail into unknown waters - facing unpredictable tides and ever-changing weather conditions. Yet their spirits remained unyielding as they cast their nets wide, hoping for an ample harvest that would sustain both themselves and those ashore. The drifter crews formed tight-knit bonds forged by shared experiences amidst nature's raw power. They faced adversity head-on while cherishing moments of camaraderie beneath starlit skies or during stormy nights when tales were spun around flickering lanterns. Today, we honor these drifting pioneers who shaped our coastal heritage - reminding us of our deep connection to the sea and its abundance. Let us remember their courage as we navigate our own journeys through life's vast oceanic expanse – forever inspired by those humble fishing boats that sailed out from Great Yarmouth all those years ago.