Lydia Eva (steam drifter)

Lydia Eva is the last surviving steam drifter, a type of fishing boat that was commonly used in the North Sea fishing industry, particularly during the early 20th century. Built in 1930 by the Kings Lynn shipbuilding firm of Fellows & Company, Lydia Eva was named after the granddaughter of Harry Eastick, the managing owner of the fishing fleet to which she belonged.

Design and Construction

The steam drifter was a type of fishing boat that was designed to catch herring in a long drift net. Lydia Eva, with a length of 60 feet and a beam of 18 feet, was powered by a 220 horsepower steam engine that could propel her at a speed of 10 knots. Her hull was made of oak and larch, while her deck was made of pitch pine.

Operational History

Lydia Eva fished the herring grounds of the North Sea until 1938. During World War II, she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and used as a barrage balloon vessel. After the war, she returned to fishing, but by the 1960s, the herring stocks had dwindled and she was laid up.

Preservation

In 1971, Lydia Eva was purchased by the Maritime Trust for preservation. She was restored to her original 1930 condition and is now part of the National Historic Fleet. She is currently moored at the quayside in Great Yarmouth and is open to the public as a museum ship.

See Also

• List of museum ships
• National Historic Fleet
• Steam Drifter