The old trawler Viola lies half-forgotten in South Georgia, but there is much more to her than meets the eye. Built over 100 years ago, she has steamed thousands of miles and survived as the oldest steam trawler in the world with her engines intact.
Built in 1906 in Beverley, Viola was part of the Hellyer fleet of steam trawlers working the North Sea. In 1914, she was requisitioned for duty in the First World War and served with distinction, spending four years on the front line in the grim war against mines and submarines and involved in sinking two U-boats. She is one of only four remaining British vessels to have seen active service. Renamed Dias and sold for sealing and whaling duties which took her to South Georgia, she never returned to Hull.
For further information regarding Viola or Dias, please contact Hull City Council, tel. 01482 300300, Or https://maritimehull.co.uk
