Photo credit: Colm O’Laoi

The registered charity MV Ross Revenge (Home of Radio Caroline) aims to raise £125k through the Crowdfunder to add to funds already raised, and then approach bodies such as the National Lottery for additional funding to carry out initial surveys of the ship in dry dock – paint the hull and superstructure …. and to carry out necessary repairs to seals and valves.

“Ross Revenge is a remarkable ship with a fascinating fishing and broadcasting history,” said Radio Caroline station manager and charity chairman Peter Moore. 

“It is one of only a couple of surviving British super trawlers, the pride of a fleet of distant- water vessels that once plied their trade in the cold and turbulent seas of the North Atlantic from ports such as Grimsby and Hull, but were wiped out when the fishing industry went into steep decline in the late 1970s. Ross Revenge still holds the record for the biggest catch.

“It is the only remaining pirate radio ship still afloat, having avoided the cutter’s torch when sent to the breaker’s yard to become the floating broadcast base for the Radio Caroline in 1983.

The ship has endured many dramas during its time on the North Sea, including a brutal armed raid by Dutch Authorities in 1989 and the 300ft radio mast falling overboard after the 1987 hurricane – nearly taking the ship down with it. Ross Revenge is also one of only a few ships to survive grounding on the notorious Goodwin Sands, when its anchor chain broke during a storm in 1991. Ross Revenge is now moored on the Blackwater Estuary between Bradwell-on-Sea and Mersea Island in Essex and still used by Radio Caroline for regular monthly offshore broadcasts and visitor trips. It is maintained by volunteers and is on the National Historic Ships Register.

“Ross Revenge is an iconic ship that has played a significant role in the history of broadcasting in the UK,” said Peter Moore. “We are Crowdfunding to ensure that the ship can continue to operate and provide a platform for independent radio broadcasting and be of interest to future generations, on which our future will depend. 

“Our future plans to turn the forepeak area of the ship into an interactive fishing heritage centre will provide a hub for learning about maritime engineering and the ship’s deep sea fishing history.”

 To support the Crowdfunder and help secure the future of MV Ross Revenge, please visit rossrevengeofficial.com