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Maritime experts have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Captain James Cook’s famous ship, the HMS Endeavour. They believe they have identified its exact resting place off the coast of a popular New England resort town.
On June 3, the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) published a significant report shedding light on this maritime mystery.
In 1778, the British scuttled the Endeavour near Newport, Rhode Island, as a tactical maneuver to obstruct French and American naval efforts. For years, the precise location of this historical shipwreck remained uncertain, eluding marine historians and enthusiasts alike.
Recent findings indicate that the shipwreck lies at a Rhode Island state archaeological site known as RI 2394. Research spanning several decades has fortified this conclusion.
Understanding the Shipwreck Site
Commonly referred to as the “Kerry” site, this underwater wreckage is positioned between 39 and 43 feet below the surface. According to the report, it contains, “a linear stone ballast pile, with the eastern edge featuring a line of partially exposed frame ends that are both closely spaced and substantial in size.”
The remnants of the wreck include four iron cannons, two of which are prominently visible above the seabed and lie adjacent to one another on the western side of the site. These clues paint a clearer picture of the ship’s historical legacy.
Architectural Evidence
Additionally, the site showcases remnants of flooring, futtocks, and a stanchion. A stanchion is a post that once supported the ship’s deck beams. This combination of artifacts provides valuable insights into the design and construction of the HMS Endeavour.
A thorough investigation conducted in 2019 examined all known shipwrecks within the Limited Study Area. Researchers concluded that RI 2394 was the most promising candidate for the lost HMS Endeavour.
Criteria for Identification
The report reveals that this site meets ten established criteria that experts consider essential for identification. These criteria include the absence of American timbers and a European elm keel. Evidence of hull repairs corresponds with known details about HMS Endeavour.
Notably, the presence of scuttling holes further corroborates the theory that the vessel was intentionally sunk. Architectural features observed at the site strongly resemble those attributed to the Endeavour.
A Clear Identification
The ANMM report states, “RI 2394 is the largest shipwreck site within the Limited Study Area and exhibits attributes that fulfill the criteria.” Consequently, the evidence suggests that this shipwreck is indeed the HMS Endeavour.
Moreover, this discovery dismisses the possibility that any other investigated shipwreck sites could belong to Captain Cook’s renowned vessel, reinforcing the significance of RI 2394.
The ship holds immense historical importance in Australia as the first European vessel to chart the eastern coastline. After its adventurous voyages worldwide, the Endeavour was sold to a private individual in February 1775, subsequently renamed
