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Massive bluefin tuna caught in North Sea off Whitby coast for first time in 90 years

Ada Peake, 18, was part of a five-strong crew who landed the giant bluefin tuna in the North Sea off Whitby for the first time since 1939

[A teenager was part of a crew who landed a giant 338kg (740 lbs) Bluefin Tuna in Whitby ]

A teenager was part of a crew who landed a giant 338kg (740 lbs) Bluefin Tuna in Whitby (Image: 54 North Maritime Training /SWNS)

A teenager was among a crew that landed a massive 53-stone (338kg) bluefin tuna in Whitby for the first time in 90 years. Trainee Ada Peake, 18, made history on Sunday after the fish was hauled in from the North Sea for the first time since 1939.

She helped to land the 9.3-foot (112 inches) catch off the coast of Whitby, North Yorkshire, as part of a five-strong crew skippered by Ben Shutt, 35, aboard the 12-metre inshore fishing vessel, Dominator A.

The passionate angler was on board as part of her studies with 54 North Maritime Training, which operates under the umbrella of the Whitby Fishing School. The crew spent around one hour and 50 minutes reeling in the enormous catch.

The teenager, who is currently working towards her Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies Seafishing pathway, admitted that when she first set eyes on the tuna, "it didn't look real".

She said: "What a big fish. Finally, we actually got one after hours of trying with rod and line. I have only ever heard stories of them being in the sea, so to catch one felt incredible. I feel very privileged to be part of the crew that has commercially landed a fish that hasn't been to market in Whitby for well over 70 years.

"I'm grateful to the Whitby Fishing School Clive and Ben the Skipper, for this wonderful opportunity to experience such a fantastic start to my career in fishing. I hope my experience will inspire other people to consider a career at sea in fishing."

[A teenager was part of a crew who landed a giant 338kg (740 lbs) Bluefin Tuna in Whitby ]

A teenager was part of a crew who landed a giant 338kg (740 lbs) Bluefin Tuna in Whitby (Image: 54 North Maritime Training /SWNS)

The fish tipped the scales at 338kg when hauled aboard the vessel, before being recorded at 302kg upon reaching shore.

Ben noted that Ada's opportunity to witness such a momentous fishing occasion so early in her maritime career "provides a remarkable insight into where a career in the fishing industry can potentially lead".

He added: "The bluefin tuna has become one of the most talked-about developments in UK fisheries in recent years, with the return of these enormous fish generating considerable interest among fishermen, scientists, conservationists and the wider public.

"For a young person considering a career at sea, however, seeing one of these magnificent fish brought aboard is something altogether different."

[Trainee Ada Peake]

Trainee Ada Peake(Image: 54 North Maritime Training /SWNS)

A second fish was landed the following day (Monday) by vessel owner Clive Easton, with a live weight estimate of 310kg (705lbs). Bluefin tuna, historically referred to as "tunny" along the Yorkshire coast, were once a familiar presence in these waters. During the 1930s, the imposing fish drew "big-game" anglers to the Yorkshire coastline.

Whitby retains its connection to some of the most celebrated catches of that period, including a remarkable 850lb-plus tuna brought ashore in 1933. Their numbers began to dwindle in the North Sea during the 1960s, largely owing to the overfishing of herring, their primary food source.

In recent years, however, bluefin tuna have been staging a notable comeback in UK waters, driven by a recovery in herring populations though commercial fishing for the species remains strictly regulated.

The Dominator is one of only 30 UK vessels permitted to target bluefin tuna during the 2026 season, using rod and reel. It is currently the sole vessel operating along the North East coastline.

Ben revealed that the group had spent the past four years attempting to secure a licence to fish for tuna, and expressed his gratitude to those who supported them in obtaining it.

[The 12-metre inshore fishing vessel, Dominator A]

The 12-metre inshore fishing vessel, Dominator A(Image: 54 North Maritime Training /SWNS)

He said: "We would like to thank the local companies that came together in support of our licence application, working with Clive the vessel owner to bring such a huge opportunity to Whitby, which has had a history of landing big Tuna in the past."

The skipper has also disclosed that the tuna has since been sold to seafood merchant Hook and Plate. Ben said he hopes local restaurants will "take the opportunity to buy from the merchants" to give residents the chance to sample the fish.

The catch has since been prepared and portioned, including into bluefin tuna Sharing Steaks currently available for 17.95 for a regular cut and 24.95 for a large cut, according to the merchant's website.

Ben added that the catch held extra significance, as the skipper and crew of the Dominator are former students themselves. He said: "It is a powerful example of how knowledge within the fishing industry is passed down. Not simply through textbooks or formal lessons, but from one generation of fishermen to the next, on the water and in real working environments."

The University of Exeter has been tracking bluefin tuna stocks in the North Sea since 2018. Dr Lucy Hawkes, from the University of Exeter, who is heading up the research, attributed their comeback to "careful and judicious management of fisheries".

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