Old ships left to rot
These once proud wooden vessels, stripped of masts and superstructure, are left to rot and decay in what was once their home water. The presence of these hulks up and down the Torridge has given rise to concern for the danger they may cause, as they break up, to other craft using the river.
Seen in the picture are (from left to right) the ketch ‘Maude’, the schooner ‘Margaret Hobley’, the bow of the ketch ‘H.F. Bolt’, the ketch ‘Ketch’ and in the background the schooner ‘Welcome’.
Gazette article 18 October 1957