大象传媒

Kilkeel harbour, on the County Down coast, is the home of Northern Ireland's largest fishing fleet.

Fishing was key during World War One too - though the fleet was powered by wind and sail rather than by engines.

In the last week of May 1918 a small fleet of fishing boats - with colourful names like Moss Rose, Sparkling Wave and Nevercantell - sailed out of Kilkeel harbour.

The men aboard knew that German U-boats were targeting fishing vessels all along the coast from Wexford in the far south to Ardglass further north. Not only their livelihoods but their lives were in danger.

Dr Gavin Hughes, of Trinity College Dublin, takes up the story.

Location: Kilkeel Harbour, County Down, BT34 4AX
Image of Kilkeel Harbour circa 1900
Image courtesy of Kilkeel Development Association