Death record for burial at sea?

[davyr]

The last will and testament of my x4 great-grandmother Ruth James (formerly Rogers) shows that she died on board the brig "Caroline" on September 12th 1843, in the final stages of a voyage from Sydney to London.

As I understand it, the captain of the vessel would have been responsible for having the death certified on his return to England, but I have been unable to find either a death certificate, or any record of a burial for Ruth, either on land or at sea.

The will was "proved" on November 14th 1843 by John Barlow, the ship's mate, but I can find nothing about how Ruth died and whether or not she was buried at sea.

Is there anything else I can try?

[Peter Goodey]

Have you asked GRO?

[Peter Goodey]

The research guide is here

[davyr]

I've searched the GRO Death Index and there are two records for a Ruth James in 1843 - one in Chard (Somerset), the other in Newcastle Emlyn (Wales). Both "S" (presumably Summer?) quarter, which would include September. Both ladies were older (69 and 72 respectively) than my Ruth, though, who was born in 1784 so would have been 59 when she died.

[davyr]

Sorry, I posted that before seeing your link - It looks as though I should be searching "Births, marriages and deaths on Royal Navy and merchant ships (1794-1972)", so I'll try that next!

Edit to say - have just looked at that on FindMyPast and drawn a blank...

[Peter Goodey]

I've searched the GRO Death Index

It won't be in the standard England & Wales GRO index (eg FreeBMD). It may be in one of the overseas indexes.

But you don't need a GRO reference - just apply in the usual way for a certificate, making sure it's directed to Overseas Section.

There's no charge if they don't find anything.

1843 may be too early for there to be much chance of finding a record - although if there was one I wouldn't have thought it would add much to what you already know.

[davyr]

Just curious as to cause of death, really - I'm a retired medical librarian and can't shake the fascination with morbidity and mortality!

[geneius]

https://www.british-genealogy.com/ar.../t-84763.html?

[geneius]

Check this site out, there is a source reference
https://www.blaxland.com/ozships/index.htm

departure: brig Caroline
113 tons
Master: Lesslie
Origin: Sydney 1843 Sep 14
Destination: Hobart Town

Background
Date Item Details Source
background 5 passengers
agent J Cook tsg:6

[davyr]

Good grief - I'd forgotten all about that! :-(