How the history of a fishing traweler is being preserved by 3D technology
Take a look at this 3D model of a fishing trawler: it might look like any old fishing boat, but this one has a rich history, standing as a prime example of the kind of boats that led to heavy overfishing in the Mediterranean before being outlawed by the European Union.
This boat carries the name Lambousa.
It was built in 1955 by Dimitrios Zacharias in Perama, Piraeus, Greece, and was initially named Omonia. When the vessel was christened in Famagusta ten years later, it was renamed as Lambousa. The name change honoured the birthplace of the boat's new owner, who came from Lapithos in Cyprus. Lambousa is the name of the Ancient Greek city that stood where Lapithos now stands.
Contribution to the destruction of sea life, overfishing and EU policy
The Lambousa, along with many other fishing vessels, contributed to the problem of overfishing in the Mediterranean.
The practice of bottom trawling, which the Lambousa was known for, often led to the depletion of fish stocks and the disruption of marine ecosystems. Bottom trawling consists of dragging heavy nets across the sea floor to catch fish, catching and destroying many other animals and plants in the process.
This heavily destructive method of fishing was outlawed in 2014 by the European Union. The new European regulation mandated that many of these traditional fishing boats should be destroyed to ensure that bottom trawling would never happen again.
A unique preservation effort
As many of these fishing vessels were destroyed, in accordance with EU law, the Lambousa is now the only surviving vessel of its kind in Cyprus.
Its preservation marks a significant effort to balance environmental sustainability with cultural heritage. Retired from active service in 2004, the trawler was entrusted to Limassol in 2005. Limassol's municipality has been instrumental in this endeavour, preserving the Lambousa as a crucial element of Cyprus's maritime legacy and the last big traditional fishing boat on the island.
Craftsmanship and technical prowess
The Lambousa was a marvel of naval architecture of its time, measuring 25 metres in length and weighing 48 tons. It was capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 knots, powered initially by a M.A.N. diesel engine made in Germany in 1955, which was later replaced by a more powerful KELVIN engine from the UK in 1982.
The hand-made design and construction of the Lambousa reflect the advanced shipbuilding techniques and the high level of craftsmanship prevalent in the Mediterranean region during the mid-20th century.
The Lambousa was renowned for its use of bottom trawling which required a high degree of skill and knowledge from the captain and crew, who meticulously navigated the complex apparatus to avoid underwater hazards. The net could hoist up to four tons of catch.
Historical significance
Throughout its operational life, the Lambousa experienced numerous historical events and adventures.
One such incident occurred in the summer before 1963, when the crew ventured into Turkish waters and encountered Turkish port authorities. The quick thinking and bravery of Captain Kyriakos Kastenis led to a dramatic escape under gunfire.
Recognising the cultural and historical value of the Lambousa, the Municipality of Limassol undertook efforts to preserve the vessel as a floating museum. This initiative included extensive restoration work to maintain the vessel in its original condition.
Back to the sea: Lambousa's new journey as a museum
The UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) has spearheaded the complex digitisation, full digital documentation and long-term preservation of the Lambousa.
This initiative employs advanced 2D/3D digitisation techniques to create detailed digital designs and models of the vessel, ensuring a high quality of results for use and re-use in different domains.
After comprehensive reconstruction and maintenance efforts by the Municipality of Limassol, the Lambousa has returned to the sea, marking a significant milestone in its storied history.
The Lambousa is now available in the Europeana digital repository.
The Lambousa fishing boat is more than a piece of Cyprus's maritime history - it is a symbol of the island's seafaring tradition and resilience.
Its story and memory from its construction in Greece to its adventures in the Mediterranean, and its preservation as a cultural heritage symbol, underscores the importance of maritime history in understanding the broader European historical and cultural landscape. The Lambousa's legacy continues to educate, entertain, engage and inspire, making it a vital part of Europe's shared maritime heritage and beyond.
This blog is part of the EUreka3D project, which aims to build the capacity of small cultural heritage institutions in digital transformation, particularly on issues related to 3D digitisation.