Hof der dingen - Two ship lanterns of the Iceland fishermen

As you might know, West Flanders is the only province by the sea – and our fishing history runs deep. One of the most legendary chapters? The heroic tale of the Ijslandvaarders (Iceland fishermen). 

As early as the 17th century, Belgian fishermen set sail for Icelandic waters, known for their abundance of fish. On peak days, hauls could reach up to 6,000 kilos of cod. 

Iceland lies about 1,000 nautical miles from Ostend, which meant that these fishermen — aboard sailing ships — were often away from home for six months at a time, from spring until the end of summer. 

Conditions were often harsh and dangerous. Many ships were lost, and countless fishermen drowned or were lost at sea. Since 1945 alone, 49 fishermen died in Icelandic waters — 23 of them swept overboard by waves. And yet, despite the obvious risks, the call of the Icelandic seas was hard for Belgian fishermen to resist. Around 1935, Belgium still had 250 motorised trawlers dedicated to fishing in Icelandic waters. These fishing boats are designed specifically for trawling, a fishing method that involves dragging a large net (a trawl) through the water. 

Ironically, that popularity marked the beginning of the end. As Iceland became aware of the growing interest and rising number of ships setting sail for Icelandic waters, the country drew up several international agreements to protect its fishing grounds. As a result, a ban on fishing within a 50-mile radius around Iceland was introduced in 1972. 

Nineteen captains from Ostend, together with several from Norway and the Faroe Islands, were granted limited access — provided they used their existing vessels. The Amandine, a mediumsized trawler built in 1962, was the last of its kind to remain active – until 1995. 

In 2000, the ship was brought ashore and transformed into a museum vessel, which you can still visit today in Ostend. And while you’re there, make sure to pay a visit to that other famous museum vessel: the Mercator. 

Standing in front of you are two large ship lanterns, donated by Anny De Clercq- a tribute to the Iceland voyages and the courageous fishermen who risked their lives to undertake them.