Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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' The Eel Company'

H.G.Kuijten

Hans Kuijten brought his live eel import business to the Basin in 1928. Eels were brought in by ship from Europe, North Africa and as far away as New Zealand, large tanker lorries were used to distribute the live eels locally. Hans had several branch offices overseas with one of the main ones being in Ireland. In Hans own words the I.R.A. tried to extort protection money from him at his Irish operation with threats of violence for non co-operation. He made the decision that he would rather shut the business down. In 1972 Hans pulled out of Ireland and ceased trading.

01 (above) the 'Eel Company's', centre of operations from the new building and offices on Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin.

02 - 03 (above and below) Live eels being unloaded from the Danish 'Kathrine Peterson' in 1947. The hold has been specially adapted to allow fresh water to flow through and keep the eels alive. The eels are unloaded down a slipway into a floating tank.

04 (above) Hans Kuijton at the back with the trilby hat, George Clark on the extreme right.

05 (above) R to L. George Clark, Hans Kuijton, 'Dilbury' Clark, unknown.

06 (above) arrival of Hans Kuijton's new eel barge the 'Gerhard' from the builders at Rowhedge in 1963. Capt Thomson the lock keeper is in the black cap and coat.

07 - 08 (above and below) the eel barge 'Gerhard' in the lock and manouvering in the Basin.

(below) Eel barge 'Mark'. 1963