Seen in Penzance wet dock, 1990.
Silver Harvester was a record breaking fishing vessel, with many years of successful fishing.
She was based in Newlyn.
Whilst researching the Lowestoft Fishing Fleet of W H Podd, I came across a picture of the PZ 622 - Silver Harvester,
just showing the after section on mud flats next to the Bryher, a Lowestoft vessel.
Silver Harvester figured in a tragedy of Newlyn....
11th November 1997 The Margaretha Maria BM 148 set off from Newlyn at 1630, with a crew of four. All systems were functional and normal. Having previously fished one area for a number of days, it was uncertain if they would fish that area again so soon, 60 miles southwest of the Lizard; the ship had made contact at 1915; attempts to contact from port at 2200 failed. The skipper had projected return to have been on the 17th, and so the lack of contact was reported by the Newlyn Fisheries Officer at 1224 on the 17th to Falmouth. A Search and Rescue operation continued over the next four days; having no idea as to where the wreck could be, no further search was possible. It was not until 11th February 1998 that the Silver Harvester recovered a body from their nets, position noted 50
miles south by south west of the Lizard. The body was confirmed to be that of the skipper of the Margaretha Maria, Robert Holmes. The Margaretha Maria was also built in Zaandam, in 1958. Just over 70 feet in length, 69 gross tonnage. Her owners were Adams and Chope of The Strand, Newlyn. She had been bought in 1994 ...... Robert Holmes was 43, the mate was Peter John Todd, aged 45, the two deckhands were Vincent John Marshall (33 years) and Kerry Todd (24 years), son of John Todd. Because of the Silver Harvester's unpleasant find, the wreck was found and a full investigation could be made by the MAI, and instability issues addressed for other beam trawlers. Beam trawling carries a very high risk. As the crew of the Margaretha Maria found to their cost in lives.
Fishing is a highly dangerous occupation.
On the 2nd December 2000, Silver Harvester's steering gear proved faulty and would not respond; They were north of Trevose Head on her way to Newlyn. Padstow lifeboat gave aid, and she was joined later by the St Ives lifeboat. As the tow progessed for five hours, the crew of Silver Harvester managed to set up a rough steering system, and off St Ives, they decided to continue on to Newlyn; The Sennen lifeboat joined an hour later off Pendeen, and accompanied Silver Harvester to port, arriving at 19.30. Although the weather was reasonable, again, if that was not the case, equally Silver Harvester would have joined so many on the base of rocky cliffs or the depths of the seas.
The following from The Shipping Registers
Formerly Dutch vessel JAN MAARTEN (former name ROSE MARIE); Nr 9 in Brixham and Nr 5 in 1978 at Penzance.
Registered de Novo 1982, due to length alteration (original 93.6 feet)
Name changed from JAN MAARTEN to SILVER HARVESTER
with the sanction of the secretary of State for Trade, minutes RSS 463/78 dated 17th November
1978.
ON 377677
PZ 622; Nr 5 in 1982.
Registered Penzance 23rd December 1982
Owners : William Michael Hosking, of Portleven (38 shares), John Wannell of Helston (8 shares),
Peter John Neale of Porthleven (8 shares), Roger Steven
Pawley of Praa Sands (10 shares).
Accommodation for 9 seamen.
192.02 gross tonnage
93.41 Register Tonnage
Transactions 19th October 1988: resulted in the following ownership: William Michael Hosking (43 shares),
John Wannell (9 shares) and Roger Steven Pawley
(12 shares).
Register (Old system) Closed 29th September 1990.
Motor single screw, Built 1968 Zaandam, Holland.
One deck, two masts, not rigged, raked stem, cruiser stern, carvel built, steel fishing vessels, six bulkheads.
Internal combustion engine - diesel; 1967 Storkwerkspoor, Diesel, Zwolle, Holland;
Eight cylinders; 705 bhp; 10 knots.
Length 106.4 feet
Breadth 23.1 feet
Depth in hold 9.8 feet
Round of beam 0.5 feet
Length of Engine Room 26.8 feet
Silver Harvester had left Newlyn 2002, being sold for scrap.
Sold by Sk. William M. Hoskins, Helston, after acceptance of vessel for decommissioning payment,
to Anthony Glover, Bideford as agent for decommissioning.
Being stripped and broken up at Bideford by Glover Marine.
The process did not get very far and as of June 2007 she remains on the mud at Northam.
Her IMO is 6804056; Call Sign GYHZ; RSS Nr A21886
Raymond Forward
