The family of a dedicated volunteer aboard Hull’s floating museum the Arctic Corsair will have a special wish fulfilled when she sails into her final home on Friday (August 14). The ashes of former trawlerman Peter Burrows, who died in January 2025, aged 90, will make the journey aboard his beloved vessel and beside the wheel – where any captain should rightly be.
Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler is moving to her new permanent home at North End Shipyard, where she will be dry‑berthed. The complex operation will see the historic vessel depart Albert Dock from approximately 5.45am on Friday, before travelling along the Humber Estuary and then up the River Hull.
The move marks the final chapter in the Arctic Corsair’s sailing life. In a fitting tribute to one of her most passionate volunteers, Peter’s family have had permission to place his ashes on board so he too can be part of the last journey she makes.
Peter’s daughter-in-law Lisa Burrows said: “Peter was on the sister ship of the Arctic Corsair and fishing was his life. It was something he thoroughly enjoyed and he used to talk about it to us.
“He retired in November 1999; he never really wanted to give fishing up completely. He went on to volunteer at the Maritime Museum and on the Arctic Corsair and used to teach the younger ones about net braiding.”
Lisa, wife of Peter’s son, Stephen, said: “Right up until he died, Peter continued his connections with fishing. He’d tell us and his grandchildren all these stories about what he’d seen on his travels around the world.
“He was still volunteering right up until he died.” Hull-born Peter “lived all over”, according to Lisa. “Peter’s dad was the oldest Merchant Navy captain ; he worked on the lightships and was 74 when he retired, so the family have continued with seafaring.
“When he retired, we said, isn’t it time you settled down a bit? But even after he had a heart attack he carried on with his volunteer work.
“His ashes are on board now ready for the Arctic Corsair leaving, right next to the wheel, with him having been a captain.” Lisa said: “We had people from the Maritime Museum come to Peter’s funeral as they thought very highly of him.
“We got talking about things and about his ashes and how Peter would have loved his final trip on there. It was just something the family wanted to do and they have agreed to do it for him.
“It’s emotional but it’s nice as well, that the appreciation for Peter is being shown in this way.” Peter left four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
“He was just getting to know his great-grandson, who was six-months-old, when he died. This will be something to tell him; we just want Peter’s legacy to live on.”
After Peter died, a tribute on the Maritime Hull website said he had left behind “a remarkable legacy that touched the maritime community and beyond”. It said: “From a young age, Pete followed in his father’s footsteps and set sail on trawlers.
“Pete’s dedication to the sea saw him working his way up, earning his Mate’s ticket, a role he did on the ‘Brunham’ during the turbulent Cod Wars and the St Romanus, a ship he had left before its tragic final journey. After being sent on walkabout by the trawler owners, he travelled the world, gaining extensive experience across various ships and maritime industries.
“In retirement, Pete’s commitment to the maritime community only deepened. He became a passionate volunteer for the Fishermen’s Mission, where his invaluable experience led to his involvement with the Hull Maritime volunteer team.
“Pete was particularly known for sharing his knowledge of net mending, a vital skill for fishermen, and he helped train the next generation of fishers through the Maritime Futures training programme. In 2017, Pete took part in the Hull Museums’ Common Foe project, a unique event bringing fishermen involved in the Cod Wars together with Icelandic coastguard personnel.
“Pete’s involvement didn’t stop there – he also delivered reminiscence sessions in care homes, sharing stories of his seafaring days, and offered advice on the conservation of the Arctic Corsair. Pete’s life was one of dedication and knowledge. His contributions will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is fitting that Pete Burrows’ ashes will be carried on the Arctic Corsair’s final voyage, a trawler and a heritage that meant so much to him. Pete was a long-standing and much-loved volunteer with the Hull Maritime project.
“Drawing on his years at sea as a fisherman, he brought Hull’s fishing story to life, sharing not only his knowledge and experiences, but also his warmth, humour and pride in the city’s maritime heritage. He was particularly passionate about passing on the traditional skill of net mending, patiently teaching trainees involved in the Maritime Futures programme.
“Through his dedication, Pete helped ensure that skills and stories which shaped Hull’s identity will continue to be remembered and valued. On behalf of everyone involved at Hull City Council, we remember Pete with great affection and gratitude.
“His contribution to preserving and sharing Hull’s rich fishing heritage was immense, and it is entirely appropriate that he will make this final journey aboard the Arctic Corsair. His legacy will live on in the many people he inspired and the heritage he worked so hard to protect.”
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