Thomas Richard Pearce | |
|---|---|
| Born | Thomas Richard Millett 31 October 1859 Millbrook, County Tipperary |
| Died | 14 December 1908 (aged 49) |
| Burial place | Southampton Old Cemetery 50°55′13″N 1°24′47″W / 50.92025°N 1.4130°W |
| Occupation | sea captain |
| Years active | 1875–1906 |
| Employer(s) | Aitken & Lilburn, then RMSP |
| Known for | surviving shipwrecks |
| Spouse | Edith Gurney Strasenburgh |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Victorian Humane Society Gold Medal |
Thomas Richard Pearce (1859–1908), born Thomas Richard Millett, was an Irish ship master in the UK merchant marine. He served his apprenticeship on sailing ships with Aitken & Lilburn's Loch Line, and then rose through the ranks on steamships with the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company (RMSP).
On sailing ships Pearce survived three shipwrecks: those of Eliza Ramsden in 1875, Loch Ard in 1878, and Loch Sunart in 1879. When Loch Ard was wrecked he saved a passenger from drowning, for which the Victorian Humane Society awarded him its first ever Gold Medal.
Pearce's stepfather was a ship master, both of Pearce's sons went to sea, and all three died in shipwrecks. In 1906 Pearce took early retirement due to ill-health. His death in 1908, aged only 49, prompted RMSP to found its superannuation fund.