On Easter Monday, I documented the return of a local crew of Hastings fishermen who had spent nearly 11 hours at sea. Their day began at 5:30 am, leaving the historic coastline behind to harvest the day’s catch. As they returned at 4:30 pm, I began photographing their quiet, practised routine—a window into the endurance of coastal life.
Generations of Hastings Fishers Working Together
Among the crew was a young fisherman assisting his father and another local skipper for the week—a familiar story in this part of the world. Seeing them work side-by-side was a reminder of how these small-scale fishing operations pass on knowledge, skill, and responsibility from one generation to the next.
How Hastings Fishing Boats Come Ashore—With a Rusty Bulldozer and Wooden Blocks
Unlike many ports, Hastings fishermen launch their boats directly from the beach. When the 8-tonne vessel returned, the crew used a weather-beaten bulldozer to drag it slowly toward the beach. Then, the fishermen wedged thick wooden blocks beneath the hull, acting as makeshift runners to ease the drag using a winch near the fishing huts, pulling the boat the final stretch ashore. Moreover, that same rusty bulldozer pushes the boats out each morning—a routine shaped by tradition and practicality.
Offloading the Catch: How Hastings Fishermen Prepare for Market
With the boat ashore, a small dumper truck offloads the day’s catch. The fish—packed into crates—were transferred quickly, ready to be stored nearby and collected for sale the following day. It was a carefully coordinated process, carried with speed, skill, and silent teamwork.
Documenting Hastings Fishermen: A Tribute to Coastal Resilience
This photo story isn’t just about boats and gear. Instead, it’s a tribute to the resilience of Hastings fishermen, their families, and the coastal traditions they sustain. It captures the pride of hard labour, the bond between crew members, and the beauty found in the everyday details of working life by the sea.
Explore More: Further Reading
Finally, for those interested in learning more about Hastings fishermen, check out these resources: