Icelandic Fishermen Reel in the Memories at Grimsby

Former Icelandic seafarers landed on Grimsby’s shores, revisiting their past and sharing tales of their time on the high seas. Following the assembly of a social media group for these retired fishermen last October, the group’s numbers have been on a steady upward tide. The 48-strong group, hailing from Akureyri, the North Icelandic capital, navigated their way to Hull before crossing the bridge to Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre. The highlight of their visit was a tour of the Ross Tiger, led by ex-skipper Bob Formby, followed by a hearty walk through the museum and a well-earned slice of cake at the Galley Café. Sigfus Helgoson, the group’s leader and a former fisherman, was thrilled to be back, saying the trip had stirred up some fond memories. Many Grimbarians might recall the Cod Wars between Grimsby and Icelandic fishermen in the mid-20th century. Today, the former adversaries found common ground, sharing stories of their time at sea. The visit left a lasting impression, with many of the visitors expressing a desire to establish a similar heritage centre back in Akureyri. The centre’s Operations Manager, David Ornsby, was delighted to host the group, noting the shared history and mutual respect between the visitors and locals.