The iron steam trawler Frederik Cornelis was launched from the North Shields yard of Edward Brothers Ltd (Yard No 592) in August 1898. She measured 105.7′ x 20.9′ x 10.9′ and her tonnage was 153 gross tons, 69 net tons. She was powered by a triple expansion steam engine by Baird and Barnsley, North Shields delivering 53 nominal horse power. Ordered by Hock von Maatschapping, Holland she was registered in ‘S-Gravenzande near The Hague, Holland.
Lloyd’s register 1901
Seven of the twelve crewmen aboard the trawler were drowned when she was run down by the Clyde Shipping Company steamer Aranmore. The accident happened around 6am on Sunday 31st March,1901 while the trawler was fishing south of Ailsa Craig with a fleet of 5 or 6 other vessels. The night was reported to be dark but clear so it is not obvious why the master and crew of the Aranmore failed to see the trawler in their path. She was inward bound to Glasgow from Plymouth and collided with the trawler broadside at full speed. The massive impact made it immediately obvious to the trawler’s crew that their ship was doomed and the men on deck immediately tried to clamber aboard the Aranmore while to two vessels were locked together.
Unfortunately four of the crew were below deck at the time and went down with the trawler as she sank very quickly. Three of the men, including her 26 year old master, Frans Nomekes, who had been trying to reach the safety of the Aranmore were also sucked down as the trawler sank beneath them . The five survivors were taken to Glasgow aboard the Aranmore and given shelter in the Sailor’s Home on the Broomielaw.
Ayrshire Post 2nd April 1901
The wreck believed to be the Frederik Cornelis lies in position 55° 12.933’N, 005° 11.833’W. Although nothing has yet been found to positively identify the wreck she is clearly an iron or steel fishing vessel lying 010/190 degrees with the bows pointing southwards. The wreck lies in approximately 50 metres with a least depth of 47 metres. The visibility on this wreck tends to be poor as she lies on a silty seabed and the layer of thick silt that covers the wreckage quickly stirs up as a diver fins by. There is also a large fishing net draped over the port side adding additional difficulties to a dive that is only for the experienced wreck diver.
