Honouring Hull’s Headscarf Revolutionaries – a legacy woven into our fishing heritage

As we recently marked National Fishing Remembrance Day (May 11), we honour those who have lost their lives at sea and reflect on the individuals and movements that have shaped the fishing industry’s history.

Hull’s rich relationship with the sea has shaped the city’s economy and identity. From the early days of deep-sea trawling to the bustling docks of the 20th century, people from Hull have earned their livelihood on the water for generations. The fishing industry has always been demanding, but none more so than during the 1960s, a volatile time in the city’s maritime history.

At the heart of this story lies a group of extraordinary women we remember today as the Headscarf Revolutionaries. Their actions reshaped the fishing industry and saved countless lives.

Prosperity, peril, and tragedy

By the 1960s, Hull was the largest fishing port in the UK, sending trawlers far into the Arctic waters of Iceland. Fishing was a livelihood and the heart of Hull’s economy and identity. Entire communities depended on the industry – shipbuilders, net-makers, dockworkers, and fish processors all relied on the fleet’s success. Generations of families made their living from the docks, and daily life in Hull revolved around the comings and goings of the trawlers.

The work was challenging, and the conditions were often brutal. Men would leave for weeks on end, facing freezing storms and harsh seas. Despite the dangers, safety standards on board were shockingly poor.

In early 1968, tragedy struck when three Hull trawlers, the St Romanus, the Kingston Peridot, and the Ross Cleveland, were lost at sea within just three weeks. This disaster claimed the lives of 58 men, an event that became known as the triple trawler tragedy. These losses devastated Hull’s fishing community, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety regulations.

Women leading the fight for safety

At a time when many believed politics, safety, and shipping standards were matters strictly for men, one group of women stood up and demanded change. These women, led by Lillian Bilocca, Christine Jensen, Mary Denness, and Yvonne Blenkinsop, earned the nickname “The Headscarf Revolutionaries” for their trademark headscarves and bold activism.

They rallied the community, collected over 10,000 signatures in just ten days, and directly confronted trawler owners and government officials. Their demands were straightforward but crucial for safety: better radio equipment, trained meteorologists on board, full crews for every trip, and a dedicated safety officer on each vessel. Against all odds and with incredible determination, they made their voices heard.

A lasting legacy

Thanks to the Headscarf Revolutionaries, authorities swiftly introduced significant reforms to the British fishing industry. Their efforts directly resulted in improved safety protocols and onboard standards, making fishing considerably safer for future generations.

Their success remains one of the most effective civil safety campaigns in British history. For the men who continued to risk their lives at sea – and for the families who waited at home – the contribution of these Hull women cannot be overstated.

Ensuring global food security

At North Atlantic Fishing Company, we’re proud to be part of a long tradition of hardworking coastal communities, with our home port in the heart of Hull. We build on the experience of those who came before us, committed to upholding their values while adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Fish continues to play a vital role in the global food system. As the world population rises and demand for nutritious protein increases, responsibly sourced seafood will be critical in helping ensure global food security. However, the future of fishing must be sustainable.

Fishing and environmental protection can work hand in hand. By adopting science-led practices, managing quotas carefully, reducing bycatch, and continually investing in more efficient fleets, we aim to protect the marine environment and ensure fish stocks can thrive for future generations.

A safer future inspired by the past

As we look to the future, we remain inspired by the bravery and determination of the Headscarf Revolutionaries. They accomplished the extraordinary through their courage, unity, and steadfast belief in doing what was right for themselves and their community.

That spirit continues to guide us. Whether investing in safer vessels, protecting marine life, or providing jobs and opportunities in Hull and beyond, we’re proud to be part of a living tradition that respects the past while building toward a better, more sustainable future.