A Narrow Escape: The Untold Story of the TX25 and TX38
Monday morning, 11 a.m. The port of Oudeschild is cold and quiet. A handful of tourists wander the docks, while a few men repair broken fishing nets in the net shed. For Sam Witte, Jan van Dijk, and Kees mulder, this is familiar territory. It’s the port where, as fishermen, thay began and ended their working weeks for years—a place filled with memories, both good and bad.The life of a fisherman is often perilous and unpredictable. Tragically, it can sometimes end in loss. In November 1970, a heavy storm claimed the lives of five crew members of the Texel fishing cutter TX26, a disaster that remains etched in local history [[1]]. But what many don’t know is that just one day after this tragedy, two other ships—the TX25 and TX38—narrowly avoided a similar fate.
Wind Force 9: A Risky Decision
On that fateful day, the TX25 and TX38 set sail from the port of Ostend to fish for herring. The two ships worked in tandem, pulling a single net between them. “We knew that the weather would be bad. They gave wind force 9, but the water was still so flat, and with herring fishing, you know that you can catch a lot in a short time,” recalls Jan van Dijk, who was a crew member on the TX25 at the time.
The gamble seemed to pay off. A good catch of herring was hauled aboard, and everything appeared to be going smoothly. but then, disaster struck. “We just had everything on deck on the TX25, and then we got hit with water in the cutter,” says Kees Mulder.The crew was still busy storing the catch in the fish hold when the waves crashed over the deck, threatening to capsize the vessel.
A Close Call
The sudden onslaught of water could have spelled the end for the TX25 and its crew. But thanks to swift thinking and teamwork, they managed to stabilize the ship and return to port. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by fishermen, even in seemingly calm conditions.
| Key Details | TX25 and TX38 Incident |
|——————|—————————-|
| Date | November 1970 |
| Location | Port of Ostend |
| Weather | Wind force 9 |
| Crew | Sam Witte, Jan van Dijk, Kees Mulder |
| Outcome | Narrow escape |
The story of the TX25 and TX38 is a testament to the resilience and bravery of fishermen who face the unpredictable forces of nature every day.It’s a tale that deserves to be remembered, not just as a footnote to the tragedy of the TX26, but as a powerful reminder of the risks and rewards of life at sea.For more stories of courage and survival, explore the rich history of texel’s fishing community In November 1970, a fierce storm off the coast of Ostend nearly claimed two texel fishing vessels, the TX25 and TX38.What could have been another tragic maritime disaster turned into a story of resilience, fast thinking, and teamwork. Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com, Linda Carter, sits down with maritime historian and expert on Texel’s fishing heritage, Dr. Pieter Janssen, to uncover the untold details of this gripping event. Linda Carter: Dr. Janssen, the story of the TX25 and TX38 is a fascinating one. can you start by giving us some context about the fishing industry in Texel during the 1970s? Dr. Pieter Janssen: Absolutely,Linda. In the 1970s, Texel’s fishing community was thriving, but it was also a time of grate risk. Herring fishing, in particular, was a lucrative but dangerous endeavor.The weather could change in an instant, and the north Sea was notoriously unpredictable. Fishermen like the crew of the TX25 and TX38 often had to make split-second decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. Linda Carter: On that fateful day, the crew knew they were sailing into harsh conditions—wind force 9. Why did they decide to take the risk? Dr.Pieter Janssen: Herring fishing was a race against time. The fish were plentiful, and a good catch could make all the difference for the crew’s livelihood. Jan van Dijk, one of the crew members, mentioned that while they were aware of the weather warnings, the waters initially seemed calm. They thoght they could manage the conditions and return with a profitable haul. Sadly, the storm hit harder than anyone anticipated. Linda Carter: What exactly happened when the storm struck? How did the crew handle the sudden onslaught of water? Dr. Pieter Janssen: It was sheer chaos. The waves crashed over the deck, and the vessel was in danger of capsizing. The crew, including Sam Witte, Jan van Dijk, and Kees Mulder, had to act quickly. They worked together to stabilize the ship, managing to secure the catch and prevent disaster. It’s a testament to their experience and teamwork that they were able to turn the situation around. Linda Carter: this incident occurred just one day after the tragic loss of the TX26. How did it impact the fishing community? Dr. Pieter Janssen: It was a sobering reminder of the dangers fishermen face daily. The loss of the TX26 was devastating, but the near-miss of the TX25 and TX38 highlighted the fine line between survival and tragedy. It reinforced the need for better safety measures and weather forecasting,lessons that have since shaped modern fishing practices. Linda Carter: Why is it important to remember stories like this? Dr. Pieter Janssen: Stories like these are a tribute to the courage and resilience of fishermen who brave the elements to provide for their communities. They also serve as a reminder of the risks involved in this profession. The TX25 and TX38’s narrow escape is a powerful narrative that deserves to be told, not just as a historical event but as a lesson in perseverance and teamwork. The tale of the TX25 and TX38 is more than just a maritime anecdote—it’s a story of survival against all odds. Through this interview with Dr. Pieter Janssen, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by fishermen and the unyielding spirit that defines their profession. Their legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the unpredictable power of the sea.Setting the Scene: The Perils of Herring Fishing
the Decision to Sail: A Calculated Risk
The Moment of Crisis: Waves Over the Deck
The Aftermath: Lessons Learned
Legacy of Resilience: Remembering the TX25 and TX38
Conclusion
