Is there somewhere I could find information concerning shipping and the loss of life?

My ancestor, George William Corning married Jane Smith Adair daughter of Charles Adair and Elizabeth Smith Orr born 1 May 1856 in New Ardrossan.

They had one child; Elizabeth Adair Corning born 21 May 1880 in New Adrossan.

Supposedly the family was lost at sea. The last date I have for the them is the 1881 census in New Ardrossan. Jane listed as "Captains wife" and Elizabeth is the granddaughter of Charles Adair, dock master.

So their deaths occured after 1891, as they are not in the 1891 census.

Any help would be appreciated.

Susan