Hi,
I'm trying to get some further information on my 6th Great Grandfather John Bray. He died in 1804 after the trade ship (Betsey) he was on went missing with crew presumed drowned on 7th Dec 1804 - near Broadstairs. He was involved in New Foundland and Portugal trades. According to his wife's (Susanna Bray) application to Trinity House he was Master for many years on "Vifoils" (I don't think that spelling is correct - it is difficult to decipher on the trinity house petition image) with the ship returning from the Island of Newfoundland. The only site I have found any reference to him is on the Guildhall Library Lloyds Index. John Bray married Susanna Townsend in Combeinteignhead Devon in 1790.
Some of the other websites I have looked to try to get more information on the ship and John's maritime career include-
Findmypast, maritime history archive, Hull history centre, Lloyds register foundation, wreck site
I'm very unfamiliar with Maritime research and records, therefore not sure if I am missing information or just searching incorrectly so any help would be greatly appreciated.
A few questions I have are -
Where exactly is the broadstairs area?
How long did a ship need to be missing before sailors deaths were registered?
The Betsey was a "Brig" - Are there any vessels classed or named "vifoil"
Susanna's petition to Trinity house wasn't until 1809 - were petitions normally only lodged once family had fallen on hard times and needed assistance?
Thanks Mel