Shipwreck Research

[Whittman]

I was wondering if anyone had information on gaining access to old insurance company records (if it's even possible). Insurance records would be extremely helpful in determining cargo for many of the thousands of wrecks that sunk off of the East Coast. Many of the wrecks that I am interested in sank in the early to mid 1800's. Very difficult to find information on these wrecks...

 

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[wwwtimmcp]

the united states coast guard has a huge list of shipwrecks, lloyds of london has records going that far back but be prepared to pay handsomely for them. there is a book online , marine risk distribution in scotland before 1800, you might find some insurers listed in it.

my uncle worked for an insurance firm that did this but they were formed in the early 1900's.

good luck.

 

[Whittman]

Thanks. I've explored CG records already. Mostly interested in cargo manifests for the wrecked vessels.

 

[pcolaboy]

If these wrecks are of ships that crossed the pond from Europe, I'd say it would be a fair bet that Lloyd's Register of Shipping would have a record - especially considering you're talking mid-19th century.

The British National Archives, has a collection of Lloyd's Register from 1832 onward. My be worth starting there http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk . I'm pretty sure that you cannot actually get the specific information you want on the web page, but if you find the reference you're looking for, they can create a digital copy for you for around $13.

Pcolaboy

 

[Whittman]

Thanks for all of the info!

 

[rmptr]

I recently read of a "Wrecks of the World Conference" that had been held on the eastern seaboard some time ago.
The story was in regards to the Montebello, an oil tanker that was torpedoed just off the Pacific coast during WWII.
Perhaps a search of that might be of help ?

Good luck
rmptr

 

[ivan salis]

loylds of london -- was and is the the major shipping insurer --they have records of loss --that is what your seeking

 

[inletsurf]

Thanks. I've explored CG records already. Mostly interested in cargo manifests for the wrecked vessels.

Where are the CG records? Is this AWOIS or something different?

 

[Whittman]

I was referring to the Life Saving Station records which can be found in the National Archives. The records that I was interested in were in NYC.