The Fishing industry really began to grow in Hull back in the middle of the 19th century. Just how rapidly it grew can be gauged by figures for fishing smacks in Hull-
29 in 1845 and 260 in 1867.
The dangers that were to become so much a part of the fishing industry made their presence felt very early on. In January 1850, six vessels were lost in a gale. They had set sail on Christmas Eve 1849 and should have been back by January 4th. After being overdue by two weeks they were given up as lost. It was thought that at first the loss was higher, but of seven smacks one arrived back later at Scarborough.
As a result of the tragedy, 30 men died, 13 women were left widowed and 25 children were left fatherless. These losses were small, though, compared with those in the great gales of March 1883, when 180 Hull fishermen lost their lives. The gales left 60 widows and 200 orphans in their wake.