Posted @ 13:35Grimsby Dock Police Boat

I don't know the date of this photograph (click on the title of this post to see the original context) but I would guess late 19th to early 20th century. This was the height of technology at one time (but I can't quite square that with the inane grin on his face...).

I have this image of this man chasing trawlers out of the docks to attempt to apprehend some miscreant who's gone to sea before paying his bar bill.

Just what did they need this for? The pursuit idea is a wonderful fantasy, but - even with sailing vessels - I can't see it being successful. It could have been a rescue boat for those unfortunate enough to fall in water (cue Bluebottle for all Goons fans).

This is a wonderful photograph that I came across by accident whilst searching the net for something else entirely. I have a sneaking suspicion that the boat's only use was to appear in this photograph: I can't work out whether he's grinning with pride or embarrassment.

Enjoy.