Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

I am wondering where I can go to find information to substantiate or dismiss a family tale. The story is that my grandfather, Henry Pierpoint b 1894 in Liverpool, 'ran away' to sea and was shipwrecked on his first voyage. He was about 15 or 16 when this happened. His mother , Priscilla Pierpoint nee Torr, had to go to Ireland to bring him home. He went on to have a successful career at sea before diversifying. I have tried trawling through the internet and although I have found information on his qualifications I can't find any mention of a shipwreck. Not knowing exact dates or even the name of the ship doesn't help. Any advice gratefully received.

Hi Vicki and welcome,

to help narrow it down and for others to look,

Henry Pierpoint was indentured in 1909 for 4 years to Charles E Dewolf & Co, Liverpool,
there's a line through Dewolf and it appears his apprenticeship was transferred to EF&W Roberts on the 1/8/1911.

EF&W Roberts,
Shipowner & Brokers,
British & Foreign,
5 Castle St, Liverpool

Charles E Dewolf & Co
Tower Buildings,
Water St, Liverpool.

It's likely his first voyage would have been for, Charles E Dewolf & Co.

If his name doesn't appear in a newspaper snippet, a search for ships lost, owned by Dewolf & Co during 1909/10 may help.

It would be easy to think because he ended up in Ireland, this is where or close by the accident occurred. This may not be the case, it could have been the ship that rescued him? next port of call.

The 3 ships he was on between 1909/13, Apprentice.

Blythswood, 1473, registered, Greenock,

Kamousaska, 2672, reg, Liverpool,

Batiscan, 2659, reg, Liverpool,

Employed, Foreign trade.

The Blythswood was owned by, Charles E Dewolf, Kamousaska and Batiscan by EF&W Roberts, it doesn't appear any harm came to these ships between 1909 and 1913.

Of course it could have been an unreported minor mishap?

S. S. Batiscan 'Foundered off Gannet Rock on a voyage from Louisburg to Saint John N.B. with coal.'
http://sunderlandships.com/view.php?ref=103618

Wrong place, wrong time?

Thank you for all the help, unfortunately I am no further on. By the time the SS Batiscan was wrecked Henry Pierpoint had married my grandmother Ada Bowman and had his master's ticket. I think this must just be a family tale, possibly started by the man himself to amuse his children!

A good tale for a sailor