Lost/Died at sea

[mwjw22jb]

Hello,

I am trying to find any information on my Thomas McDonald b.1804 St Ives, Cornwell. He married Maria Toms 27 February 1827. He was a Master Mariner and obtained his certificate 1851.

On 16 May 1860 he was engaged onboard the ship "North Briton" which sailed from Liverpool (I think) on 27 May 1860. He was not heard from since.

According to his Probate record he died about 11 May 1860 near Barrow, Lancashire which doesn't tally with the Seaman's Effects Records

Despite searching through Newspapers around both dates, I can't find any articles etc which would shed some light as to the cause/reason for his death. I can't even find any record of an accident.

Also, according to the Seaman's Effects Record, Thomas was one of 7 sailors all onboard the "North Briton" ship whose effects were paid out at the same time as Thomas.

There is no GRO record of his death I could find either - maybe because he ?died at sea.

If anyone can help me please, I would be most appreciative.

Thank you.

[ShaunJ]

Wrong man/wrong ship?


At Barrow, in Lancashire, on Thursday night last, Capt. Thomas McDonald, of the schooner Adamant of Penryn, retired to bed to all appearance in perfect health, but when called by the mate in the morning he was found to be quite dead.

Royal Cornwall Gazette 18 May 1860

McDonald - At Barrow Lancashire on the 11th inst, to the inexpressible grief of his widow and relatives and deeply lamented by a large circle of friends, Cant Thomas McDonald, Master of the schooner Adamant of Penryn, aged 56

Western Morning News 16 May 1860

[rosie99]

Looks like a different Thomas then.  The one on the North Briton says sailed 27/5/60 and not heard of since.

Others lost same time  John Holburn (?)   Wm Crinson,  John Nelson,  James Allison, Robert Gibbs and 'name unknown'

[ShaunJ]

At that time Barrow was in Ulverston registration District.

Possible death reg:

MACDONALD, THOMAS age 55 Q2  1860   ULVERSTON  Volume 8E  Page 427

[ShaunJ]

Possible burial

Burial: 13 May 1860 St Mary, Dalton in Furness, Lancashire, England
Thomas Macdonald - Age: 55 years -    Abode: Barrow

http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/

[mckha489]

Deleted, wrong vessel

[mckha489]

The official report was released by 14th December
I can see no mention of any loss of life.
Passengers etc were put in lifeboats.

Still looking

[ShaunJ]

That's a different North Briton. Not the one that went missing in May 1860.

[mckha489]

I’ve just realised that.  So confusing!