Fish hook from a WWII survival fishing kit

Date1944

Object number00054248

NameFish hook

MediumFeathers, metal

DimensionsOverall: 139 x 18 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Captain Charles Shand

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DescriptionFish hook with metal head in the shape of a squid with a body covered in feathers and tapefrom a WWII survival fishing kit packed into liferafts of ships and planes. Manufactured by Thompson & Cooke, Washington DC.HistoryA set of maritime survival equipment, about 1970s, comprising - A two-piece yellow survival suit with attached hood and boots, folding into a yellow canvas bag that functions as a hood when unfolded - a plastic canister containing 10 unused distress flares, manufactured in 1970 and a printed Ministry of Transport Rescue Signal table, showing hand, light, and Morse code signals, and landing signals for the guidance of small boats or persons In distress' - an emergency fishing kit manufactured by Thompson & Cooke, Washington DC, consisting of a khaki drill roll with 12 pockets holding a net with wooden handle, various weight string lines wound on wooden sticks, two fishing flies made of feathers, leather and rubber, hooks and sinkers. A lightweight paper pamphlet with fishing instructions, notes on the edibility of various fish, sharks, birds, turtles etc., other survival tips and instructions for landing on unoccupied islands.SignificanceThe survival kit is significant as an example of the emergency equipment carried by merchant ships in the 1960s and 1970s. The Emergency Fishing Kit with its instructions is a stark reminder of the dire situation of people drifting in lifeboats and the potential dangers which are always present for ships at sea. The material adds to the range of maritime emergency and survival equipment in the collection, such as line-throwing gear and radio signalling equipment.