Thor

The Danish Rescue Boat

Meet Thor

One of our newest artifacts, Thor—a 10-ton Danish fishing boat used in the 1943 rescue of over 7,200 people—takes the stage as a symbol of courage and what one person can do in the face of injustice

The Danish Rescue of October 1943 saved more than 7,200 Jews and 500 family members who were not Jewish, often hidden below deck or beneath fish.

This was due to the remarkable efforts of ordinary women and men.

Thor’s Voyage to St. Petersburg

The journey to bring Thor to The FHM began in January 2022. After extensive research, The Museum leadership, with the help of Irene Weiss and Margot Benstock located the boat.

Thor’s logbook confirms Erik Olsen owned the vessel in 1943 and used it to transport four Jews from Køge to safety in Sweden.
After the rescue, Thor continued as an eel fishing boat until the 1990s.

Today, Thor is displayed alongside The FHM’s Boxcar, connecting visitors to the lessons of the Holocaust and the extraordinary stories of rescue, survival, and hope.

The Stewards of Thor

Irene Weiss and Margot Benstock played vital roles in bringing Thor to The FHM. Together, they worked tirelessly with Museum staff to locate, acquire, and transport Thor, ensuring this historic vessel now resides in St. Petersburg, FL.

Both women have deep personal connections to the Danish Rescue: their parents also escaped the Nazis on boats.
Margot’s father sailed from Køge to safety in Skanör, Sweden; while her mother traveled from Gilleleje to Höganäs. Her maternal grandparents also escaped on another fishing boat.
Irene’s father journeyed from Copenhagen to Sweden and her mother made two attempts before successfully escaping the horrors of the Holocaust

Visit Thor

Thor’s story is a reminder of the power of human kindness and bravery.

Visit The Museum

Plan your visit to The FHM to experience Thor firsthand!

The Experience

Explore Thor and learn about the heroic efforts of ordinary Danes who saved lives at great personal risk.