After 250 years lost beneath the waves, Captain James Cook’s legendary HMS Endeavour has finally been discovered in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, igniting a contentious debate among historians about its authenticity despite compelling evidence from maritime experts.
Key Takeaways
- The Australian National Maritime Museum has confirmed that wreckage site RI 2394 in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island is Captain Cook’s legendary ship HMS Endeavour
- The ship was originally used for Cook’s famous expedition (1768-1771) when he became the first European to land in eastern Australia and circumnavigate New Zealand
- After being sold and renamed Lord Sandwich, the British intentionally sank the vessel in 1778 to block French and American naval attacks during the Revolutionary War
- Despite compelling evidence including precise timber measurements matching within millimeters of original plans, the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project disputes the claim as premature
- The wreck site will receive special protection due to its historical significance to multiple nations including Australia, New Zealand, England, the United States, and indigenous peoples
A Historic Maritime Discovery
After decades of searching, researchers have finally located the final resting place of one of history’s most significant vessels. The Australian National Maritime Museum has concluded that a shipwreck in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, is indeed the HMS Endeavour, the vessel that carried Captain James Cook on his groundbreaking voyage to the Pacific. This discovery represents the culmination of 25 years of archaeological work and resolves one of maritime history’s most enduring mysteries. The identification process involved meticulous comparison of the wreckage against historical records, revealing striking similarities that convinced researchers they had found Cook’s legendary ship.
“Researchers have confirmed that the 18th-century British explorer Captain James Cook’s lost ship found its final resting place in Rhode Island’s Newport Harbor, solving a decadeslong mystery, according to the Australian National Maritime Museum,” said Australian National Maritime Museum.
Compelling Evidence for Identification
The evidence supporting the identification is substantial and detailed. Maritime archaeologists have documented that the timbers of the wreck match the Endeavour’s original specifications with remarkable precision. The ship’s unique construction features, including its stem scarf and timber placement, align perfectly with historical plans of the Endeavour. Further analysis revealed that the wood used in the vessel was of British origin, consistent with repairs made to the Endeavour in 1776. The site also features several key elements expected of an 18th-century British naval vessel, including a linear stone ballast pile, exposed frame ends, and four iron cannons.
“The size of all the timber scantlings are almost identical to Endeavour, and I’m talking within millimeters – not inches, but millimeters,” declared Australian National Maritime Museum archaeologist Kieran Hosty. “The stem scarf is identical, absolutely identical,” said Kieran Hosty.
A Ship’s Remarkable Journey
The Endeavour’s historical significance cannot be overstated. Originally built as a coal carrier named Earl of Pembroke, the vessel was purchased by the Royal Navy in 1768 for Cook’s scientific expedition to the Pacific. During this momentous journey, Cook became the first European to land in eastern Australia and circumnavigate New Zealand, making invaluable contributions to naval exploration and cartography. After its famed voyage, the ship was sold into private hands and renamed Lord Sandwich. During the American Revolutionary War, the British deliberately sank it along with four other vessels in 1778 to blockade Newport Harbor against French and American forces.
“Maritime experts believe they’ve finally pinpointed the exact resting place of Captain James Cook’s legendary ship – just off the coast of a beloved New England resort town,” said Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM).
Controversy Surrounds the Discovery
Despite the extensive evidence presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum, the discovery has not been without controversy. The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), which collaborated on earlier research efforts, has disputed the claim, arguing that the announcement is premature and lacks sufficient conclusive evidence. This disagreement highlights the rigorous standards of archaeological verification and the intense competition that often surrounds historically significant discoveries. Nevertheless, the Australian National Maritime Museum stands by its findings, maintaining that its 25 years of detailed research has established “beyond reasonable doubt” that the wreck is indeed the Endeavour.
“This final report is the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel,” said museum director Daryl Karp of the document, which he described as the “definitive statement” on the project. “It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe,” said Daryl Karp.
Protecting a Shared Heritage
Moving forward, the primary concern is protecting this invaluable piece of maritime history. The Australian National Maritime Museum has emphasized the need for comprehensive legislative and physical protection for the wreck site. This reflects the extraordinary historical and cultural significance of the Endeavour to multiple nations, including Australia, New Zealand, England, the United States, and indigenous peoples throughout the Pacific. Though little of value remains on the wreck itself—as anything valuable would have been stripped before its sinking—the archaeological site provides an irreplaceable window into 18th-century naval architecture and a tangible connection to one of history’s most important voyages of discovery.
“Given Endeavour’s historical and cultural significance to Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, England, the United States of America and First Nations peoples throughout the Pacific Ocean, positive identification of its shipwreck site requires securing the highest possible level of legislative and physical protection,” said Australian National Maritime Museum
