This record comprises a documentary reference to a shipping casualty which has been assigned to the maritime named location IRISH SEA pending more information which may allow a more precise location for the loss to be assigned.

Event and Historical Information:
The PICTON was a wooden smack built at Aberystwyth in 1815. Technical and configuration specifications are given as 33tons; 33.5ft length x 13.9ftbreadth amidships x 7.5ft depth amidships in hold; 1deck, 1 mast, smack rigged with a running bowsprit, square stern, carvel built. At time of loss, the ownership of the vessel was shared between Richard Jones of Borh master mariner (also the master); Frank Evans, shipbuilder; Thomas Jones the younger, ropemaker of Aberystwyth (7 shares); John Jones, master mariner of Borth; Williams Jones master mariner of Borth; Mary Jones of Bernhalyn of parish of Llanfighangel ,widow yth (6 shares); George Pargetter of Milford; and Euphemia, wife of Thomas Jones of Abergaveny. The vessel's registry at Aberystwyth was closed after it was reported that the smack had turned into Holyhead on a voyage from Bridgwater to Belfast laden with linseed. The smack sailed from Holyhead 'in company with several other vessels on 4 April 1839 and is supposed to have been lost with all hands in the gale of wind on that night as no sign has since been heard of her'.

Sources include:
Port of Aberystwyth Shipping Register 1832 - 1840, Ceredigion Archives Service AT/SHIP 2, Folio 74

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, May 2010.