Heide Hansen's interest in Arctic ships began a long time ago. He has now been collecting pictures and stories for many years, and people from the Arctic community and history enthusiasts "demanded" that a new book be published. In his search for what remains of the old Arctic environment in Tromsø and the nearest fjord areas and coastal municipalities in the county, new ships and more incidents and questions kept appearing.
Over the years, Hansen has systematically collected information from various Arctic ships and their achievements in the fishing grounds and expeditions of various kinds. This has now been turned into four books. Previously, the ships were the focus, but now individuals have also contributed with exciting stories. Then there is more “meat on the bones,” so to speak.
This book covers nine ships, ranging from the sailing ship "Samson" from Tromsø, the ship that accompanied Commander Richard Byrd to the South Pole, to the "Hisø" that was captured by the Germans during the first phase of World War II. We also get to take part in the world's largest beluga whale catch taken by the crew of the "Isrypa" with a land seine. 402 beluga whales were caught in one haul.
