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

Event and Historical Information:
The GRAM PARA was a Portuguese brig carrying a cargo of India rubber, which went ashore in dense fog on 7 May 1855 at Freshwater west. On 18 May 1855, the Pembrokeshre Herald reported that the vessel had 'since gone all to pieces. Her cargo and materials were scattered all over the shore, and the latter were disposed of by auction on Tuesday last. So much of the cargo as has been preserved will be forwarded to Liverpool. We regret to state that the disgraceful practice of plundering wrecked property has been carried on to a very great extent in the present instance. Two men, who were carrying off a portion of the cargo on the night of Monday last, were detected and secured by one of the officers of the Customs from Milford, and have been taken before the Magistrates at Pembroke, to answer for their dishonest practices. Notices have also been issued, calling upon all parties to deliver up any portion of the cargo that may be in their possession.'
A letter by Thomas Rogers of Middlehill, printed 25 May 1855, noted that Mr Rogers and Mr Jermin of Hardingshill had provided the shiperweck mariners with dry clothes and food. The vessel subsequently became the subject of an empassioned castigation of those who had pillaged the wreck by the newspaper correspondant in June of the same year.

Sources include:
Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser, 18 May 1855, http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3054443/ART14
Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser, 25 May 1855, http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3054449/ART26
Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser, 15 June 1855, http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3054463/ART21

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, February 2014.