Swanella H42 Arrested 26 September 1950 for fishing in Russian Naval Exercise Area Kildin Islands, 3 ½ miles from shore: 69°29’M 24°

41/1511: Detained 5 days released 02 October 1950 . Inquiry held on board – aquitted. (Fishing within territorial waters charge dropped and ignorance of exercise area accepted).

209/1482: Russian radar plotted vessel as 2½m off shore. Swanella’s evidence upheld at inquiry. Russians said vessel was in prohibited zone. Considerable air and naval activity in area at the time; it was presumed this rather than erroneous radar fix was main reason for arrest.

On Dec 10th 1952 the Dutch Coaster Westkust on passage to Hamburg in a severe gale sent out a maday after her coal shifted and the vessel took on a 35 degree list. The Scarborough lifeboat went to her assistance and removed the 10 man crew, later on her way home from the fishing grounds the Swanella came across the abandoned vessel off flamborough and after placing four volunteer crew aboard, George Pearson ( mate ), Deckhands, John Hargreaves, Charles Johansson and Robert Warren, a tow was made and the vessel brought into Hull by the Swanella, a year later a salvage reward of £17.000 was made to the crew of the Swanella

To read a full account by Skipper Leo Romyn DSC - Bar click here.