Grimsby’s most famous trawler has welcomed back another member of its former crew as a new tour guide comes aboard.
Tony Roach was part of the Ross Tiger’s crew in 1967 during some of his 32 years as a fisherman. First going to sea aged 12, Tony got his first big break when he and a friend stowed away on a ship at Grimsby Docks.
Following his years as a fisherman, Tony remained on the boats and became a cruise ship captain, taking in some of the sights of Scotland on his journeys.
Now, he has returned to his former ship to recount tales from his time at sea and help the public understand what it was like to be part of peace times most dangerous occupation.
He said: “I didn’t even like the sea when I first went out with my dad. I was only 12 then, but I didn’t enjoy it.
“I first got into the fishing industry when I was 15 though. A friend and I decided we were going to skip school by jumping in the lifeboat of a ship and stowing away in it.
“We got on the William Wilberforce and got all the way to Aberdeen before we were discovered and they only found us because I was sea sick.” He added: “The company who owned the boat, who my dad also worked for, gave me my first job off the back of it though so it wasn’t all bad.”
Coming from a fishing family, Tony spent most of his working life following in their footsteps taking trips on the Ross Tiger and expeditions as part of a pair trawler. 59 years on, Tony has retired but isn’t ready to let go of the sea just yet.
“Fishing is Grimsby and having done three trips on this boat, I’m really enjoying being back on board.
“It’s important that we do this too, we’ve got to keep the heritage alive and educate people where we can about it. At the time it was just a job, but when you’re taking people around and talking about it, I’ve realised how dangerous it was.
“It feels quite surreal standing on the deck now. Last time I was on it I was waist deep in small haddock and now I’m touring people around, it brings back some memories I have to say.”
Operations Manager at the Fishing Heritage Centre, Dave Ornsby, added: “The museum is delighted to have a new guide with such special connections to the ship and the fishing industry.
“The museum is very fortunate to have a team of special guides that, as part of the wider Front of House team, have recently won the Visit England Welcome Accolade and last year again received a nomination for this special award. They are crucial to the success of our popular school visits and bringing the Ross Tiger to life for thousands of people every year”.
For more information on the centre and to find out how you can get a tour of the Ross Tiger, visit https://fishingheritage.com/learning/
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