Called in due to heavy weather

Brim’s fresher trawler Helga María docked in Reykjavík at the beginning of this week. This was earlier than had been scheduled, but the ship was recalled due to weather conditions.

According to skipper Friðleifur Einarsson, this was a trip during appalling weather.

‘We started fishing on the Eldey Bank, but had no luck there and moved to the Mountains and stayed there until we were called in. We were fishing for just 48 hours, but in fact we only managed a few hours as the weather went wild and then calmed down again,’ he said, commenting that he can only be satisfied with the results of these two days.

‘We’ve 55 tonnes of fish. Around half of that is saithe, and we have some golden redfish and a mix of other species. This is good saithe. It’s the usual winter season fish and there’s some roe to be seen in them.’

Friðleifur Einarsson said that they expect to sail again today.

‘I’m not sure where we’ll be heading, but I’m expecting to steam north to Westfjords grounds. I’ve heard things don’t look great up there, with not a lot to be had. But you never know. Catch rates can shoot up with no warning. We’re just hoping the weather leaves us in peace,’ he said, adding that overall they can be happy with the fishing since the beginning of the year. January had been mostly fine, and it’s only now in the first part of February that the weather has made life difficult for them.