Merchant Ship Workers Lost At Sea?

[Sherri Pearson]

Hello,
 
I am looking for information on my g-g-grandfather, Charlie Pearson, who came to the US from Sweden. He worked on a merchant ship which was forced to make repairs off of the eastern coast of the US. The young men were given one month to see America before they were to return to the ship. My g-g-grandfather swam to shore near Savannah, GA. USA and never return to Sweden.
 
Presumably, he was recorded on the merchant ship records as lost or deceased? Is there any database, cd, or other with records of those who disappeared whilst at sea?
 
Your help is sincerely appreciated!