The vessel Kirkley was a fishing trawler that was built in 1946 by The Rowhedge Ironworks co Ltd in Colchester as Admiralty yard / ship number 54 ( originally designated as an Admiralty MFV 1563 ( Motor Fishing Vessel ) which carried the Lowestoft port registration number LT 54 (or No. 54).

Key Details & History

• Origin: Built during World War II for the Admiralty as a Motor Fishing Vessel (MFV 1563) at Wivenhoe Shipyard.

• Completion: Completed and converted for commercial deep-sea trawling use in 1946.

• Specifications: A 115-ton wooden-hulled vessel managed by the prominent fleet operator Boston Deep Sea Fisheries.

• Fate: On April 8, 1963, the vessel ran aground and was wrecked east of the NW Scroby Buoy near Great Yarmouth. The crew of eight was safely rescued by the Caister lifeboat after firing red distress flares.