PEOPLE looked on helplessly as Lady Jeanette ran aground just a short distance from St Andrew's Quay.
There was nothing anyone could do as nine men lost their lives aboard the trawler, which capsized after hitting a sandbank.
The terrible tragedy on March 3, 1939, will be remembered as part of this year's Lost Trawlermen's Day service.
The event will also mark 100 years since the loss of the Dauntless, which left Stornaway in Scotland on March 4, 1913, and never returned. None of the 12-man crew were ever found.
Charles Pinder, chairman of fishing heritage group Stand, said: "Lady Jeanette had returned from a fishing trip and was preparing to anchor at St Andrew's Dock.
"But the cable to the anchor broke and the vessel encountered shallow water and grounded.
"The strength of the flood tide turned the vessel on its side and nine crew members lost their lives.
"We are also marking 100 years since the loss of Dauntless.
"It left Stornaway for the Icelandic fishing grounds but was posted missing five weeks later.
"We hope to have relatives of those who died on Lady Jeanette present but we are also appealing for relatives of those who perished on Dauntless to come and lay a wreath."
This year's service will be particularly poignant as it marks the 45th anniversary of the Triple Trawler Tragedy.
Fifty-eight men died in Britain's worst peacetime fishing disaster when St Romanus, Kingston Peridot and Ross Cleveland sank within three weeks of each other.
The service will take place close to the Sailmaker's Arms in St Andrew's Quay on Sunday, January 20, at noon.
Up to 1,000 people are expected to attend the service, including many relatives of those who have perished at sea.
Mr Pinder said: "People often ask us why we don't hold the event in the summer but most of the vessels were lost in winter.
"The service will be held in the middle of the three tragedies.
"St Romanus was the first on January 11, 1968, then Kingston Peridot on January 26 and Ross Cleveland on February 2."
Mr Pinder will welcome everyone to the service and there will be readings by superintendent Tracey Stephens, of the Fishermen's Mission, and Anne McLaren, port chaplain of the Apostleship of the Sea.
There will be music from Salvation Army Band and the Priory Park Singers, while soloist Laura Aire will also perform.
The service will be conducted by the Reverend Tony Cotson.
He said: "Our theme this year will be firsthand experience.
"I worked for British United Trawlers and can recall many moments in the fishing industry.
"We need to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"As well as throwing flowers into the Humber, there will also be three families scattering ashes, with one coming from Australia."
Any relatives of those who died on Dauntless or Lady Jeanette who would like to attend the service, should call Stand treasurer Ron Wilkinson on 01482 572829.
