Fishermen at sea on census night

[LizzieW]

Does anyone know whether fishermen at sea on census night would be listed anywhere?  I have one who is on 1881 and 1891 census but not on 1901.  He drowned at sea in 1906.

Thanks
Liz

[suey]

Hello Liz

From 1851 to 1921 the enumeration of those aboard ships was restricted to vessels in port on census night and vessels which arrived during the following day.

Suey

[LizzieW]

So you're saying the fishermen who were out at sea weren't counted?  Bet that made them feel wanted!

Liz

[suey]

Hi Liz
That's correct, my husband has some watermen/lightermen ancestors who are missing from the census, their wives and children are all present and correct at home, husbands must have been 'up the river' 

Suey