The file consists of correspondence between the Engineer to the Humber Conservancy Board (Ralph John Hindmarsh) and various ship breakers [companies involved with breaking up redundant craft] based on the south bank of the Humber. This includes correspondence with the Goxhill Haven and Slipway Company Limited regarding the use of the foreshore at Goxhill, and Thomas W. Ward Limited (Sheffield) regarding the use of the foreshore at New Holland, for the purpose of breaking up vessels. This involves the discussion of problems arising from the speed at which the work is being carried out. It also includes correspondence with Individuals wishing to break up vessels on the foreshore at Barton and West Marsh, Grimsby.

A particular incident highlighted in the file is the breaking up of the barge ‘Burgate’; the vessel had its mooring ropes tampered with by school children and subsequently drifted into the Humber.