Legal Definitions - mast selling

Mast selling refers to a historical maritime practice where the personal belongings of a sailor who died during a voyage were sold on board the ship. This sale typically took place publicly, often near the ship's mast, to other members of the crew. The proceeds from these sales were then usually accounted for and sent to the deceased sailor's family or estate.

• Example 1: During a long whaling expedition in the mid-19th century, a harpooner named Elias succumbs to a severe fever far from any port. After his burial at sea, the ship's captain orders Elias's personal chest, containing his spare uniform, a well-worn Bible, and a set of carving tools, to be brought to the main deck. The items are then offered for sale to the remaining crew members, with the ship's clerk meticulously recording each transaction and the funds raised.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates mast selling because the personal effects of a deceased seaman (Elias) are being sold on board the ship (implicitly at the mast) to his shipmates, with the intention of managing his estate.

• Example 2: A British naval frigate is engaged in a fierce battle with a French privateer in the late 18th century. During the engagement, a gunner's mate named Thomas is tragically killed. Following the battle, the ship's purser arranges for Thomas's personal pistol, a sturdy sea chest, and a collection of navigational charts he had acquired to be auctioned off among the crew. The proceeds are then set aside to be forwarded to Thomas's next of kin upon the ship's return to port.

  Explanation: This demonstrates mast selling as the belongings of a sailor who died at sea (Thomas) are sold to his fellow crew members on the ship, with the funds intended for his estate.

• Example 3: On a merchant vessel transporting goods across the Atlantic in the early 19th century, a deckhand named Robert falls ill and passes away just a few days before the ship is due to make landfall. Before the ship docks, the captain gathers the crew on deck near the mainmast and announces the sale of Robert's personal clothing, a small wooden box with letters, and a unique scrimshaw piece he had crafted. Crew members bid on the items, and the money collected is added to the ship's accounts for Robert's family.

  Explanation: This example clearly shows mast selling as the practice of selling the personal goods of a deceased seaman (Robert) on board the ship (at the mast) to his shipmates, even as the voyage nears its end.