Local crew lands world-beating marlin

FRIDAY, JULY 6: The crew of the Queen of Hearts have been crowned the 2012 Blue Marlin World Cup winners after pulling in a monster fish weighing 768lb.

The prestigious tournament takes place every July 4 and sees hundreds of fisherman vie for the title across the world.

Skipper Peter Olander and his four-strong crew now top the Bermuda Billfish Blast’s Blue Marlin Division and the Top Angler Division.

Crew member Glen Astwood spent around 90 minutes bringing in Wednesday’s huge catch.

Mr Olander told us: “The Blue Marlin World Cup is a big tournament with fishermen from around the world taking part.

“It means a great deal to win this cup and it is likely to lead to a pay out of between $320,000 and $350,000 — it depends on how many boats take part in the event.”

 Each boat has to pay an entry fee of around $3,000.

Mr Olander added: “It’s the second time we have won it and I believe we are the only local crew to win it twice. Everyone was pretty happy on the way back into Hamilton!”

The Queen of Hearts, owned by Walter Cross of St David’s, picked up the huge Blue Marlin around four miles off the East End on Wednesday.