Story
This fishboat, general was built in 1929 by Harbour Boat Builders Ltd. in Vancouver, BC.
Historical Notes
In 1941 this vessel was seized by the Custodian of Enemy Property (Frank Shears), Ottawa ON Canada.
In 1942 her ownership was transferred to His Majesty the King (Japanese Fishboat Disposal Committee).
In 1941 this vessel was used as a guard ship at the mouth of the Fraser River but was apparently not comissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy. Registry closed June 28, 1957, re-registered after wreck, February 19, 1958. This vessel burned on the ways, was declared a total constructive loss, but was rebuilt and renamed. This vessel has been reported by some sources to have served with the Royal Canadian Navy, but Bryon Taylor (26/11/2017) reports that "Reference RG 24 Volume 2854 File 8000-300/18 General Information HMCS Friendship states that Howe Sound IV was not suitable for naval service and therefore not requisitioned by the RCN." Matt Farac (British Columbia Nautical History Facebook Group 25/01/2024) stated "My father and grandfather bought her in 1951, completely rebuilt after a fire caught her on the ways at Benson Bros. shipyard this vessel was relaunched as the Marine Girl . We sold her in 1988 after building the Royal Mariner 1 to replace her." On August 19, 1991 this vessel experienced a fire in the engine room while off Duvall Point in Hardy Bay BC Canada.
Owners & Masters
In 1929-1941 she was owned by Howe Sound Fisheries Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1941 this vessel was seized by the Custodian of Enemy Property (Frank Shears), Ottawa ON Canada.
In 1942 her ownership transferred to His Majesty the King (Japanese Fishing Vessel Disposal Committee).
In 1942-1951 she was owned by Charles Wilson, Quathiaski Cove BC Canada.
In 1951-1967 she was owned by Matt Farac (MO) and Jack Farac Fisheries both of Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1973-1988 she was owned by Marine Girl Fishing Ltd., Burnaby BC Canada.
In 1989-1992 she was owned by Ritchie Fishing Co. Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
Rebuilds
In 1951 new bulwarks were installed at A.C. Benson's Shipyard. In 1958 she was rebuilt at Vancouver BC.
Repower
Repowered with a 220bhp diesel engine (1955) General Motors Corp., Detroit, MI
References
- Harbour & Shipping (Progress Publishing Co. Ltd.) Vol. 12 1929
- Canada List of Shipping
- Email Bryon Taylor - Nauticapedia 26/11/2017)
- RG 24 Volume 2854 File 8000-300/18 General Information HMCS Friendship
- <jenkins.hcmc.uvic.ca ↗
- RG12 Reel T-11848 (1957) (Howe Sound IV)
- Report of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada - Fishing Vessels and Pleasure Craft Losses (December 22, 1993)
