Hello Mick, There appears to be a strong possibility that Robert Henry Wilkinson's uncle was lost at sea to. Using the link on the familysearch site, I found the death at sea of a Richard Wilkinson, Master Mariner, aged 54, with a Residence of Seaham. The from the GRO Drownings which I was sent, Folio no 5571, Master Richard Wilkinson aged 54 supposed drowned 23/11/1881. Ship was Maria and Elizabeth, no 2865, the owner in 1880 was a John Scott, Seaham Harbor. Regards Klifton