The iconic Marie Claire fishing boat bids farewell as redevelopment plans loom in Exeter, marking the end of an era for this beloved vessel.
Exeter: The Marie Claire has seen better days. Once a proud fishing boat, she now sits neglected by the quay. It’s hard to believe she was once a record-breaker.
Built in 1945, she was originally named Motor Fishing Vessel 1546. Over the years, she changed hands and names, becoming a key part of the fishing fleet.
She was a side-trawler, working hard for many years. But after engine troubles in the late 1970s, she was left to rust in Newlyn. Just when it seemed her story was over, she got a new lease on life.
In 1986, she underwent a major rebuild and returned to the sea, even setting catch records. But time caught up with her again, and by the late 2000s, she was laid up once more.
Plans were made to break her up in Exeter, but she had a few more surprises. She sank during a stop in Brixham and had to be refloated. Even then, she faced challenges getting to her final destination.
In 2020, there was hope for her restoration, but now it seems her time is up. With the Water Lane redevelopment on the horizon, the Marie Claire is set to leave Exeter for good.
