- The Australian National Maritime Museum confirms the shipwreck RI 2394 in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, as the historic HMS Endeavour, once commanded by Captain James Cook.
- The identification follows 25 years of extensive archaeological and archival research, with key discoveries including timber frames, cannons, and dimensions matching 18th-century records.
- The ship, later renamed Lord Sandwich, was scuttled during the American War of Independence in 1778 and now holds cultural significance for multiple nations.
The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) has officially confirmed that the shipwreck designated as site RI 2394 in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, is the remains of HMS Endeavour—one of the most iconic vessels in maritime history. The finding concludes a 25-year multinational investigation that combined underwater archaeology, archival research, and structural analysis.
Originally launched in 1764 as Earl of Pembroke, the vessel was acquired and renamed Endeavour by the British Royal Navy in 1768. Under Captain James Cook, it undertook a legendary Pacific voyage, circumnavigating the globe and charting the coasts of New Zealand and eastern Australia between 1768 and 1771.
Transformation and Final Fate as Lord Sandwich
After its historic expedition, the ship was used as a naval transport before being sold and renamed Lord Sandwich. It was repurposed as a prison hulk during the American War of Independence. In 1778, the British scuttled it along with twelve other vessels to defend Newport from American and French forces.
Key Archaeological Evidence Supports Identification
The wreck, located north of Goat Island, measures 18.2 meters long by 7.3 meters wide and displays several unique structural elements, including a linear stone ballast pile, large timber frames, four iron cannons, and a lead scupper. These features correspond closely with the original specifications of HMS Endeavour, verified by the 1768 Royal Navy survey.
Research by Dr. Nigel Erskine in 2016 was pivotal in narrowing down the wreck’s location. Excavations conducted between 2019 and 2021 further revealed floor timbers and mast step placements consistent with the ship’s documented design.
Timber Analysis and Historical Context Cement the Case
Detailed timber studies revealed repair patterns matching records from 1776, reinforcing the ship’s identity. The alignment of structural elements such as paired and tripled floor timbers exactly at the main and foremast positions further confirms its authenticity.
While the Rhode Island Maritime Archaeological Project (RIMAP) continues to evaluate other sites, no credible challenges have surfaced since the 2022 preliminary identification of RI 2394 as HMS Endeavour.
Global Significance and Protection Efforts
“This Final Report is the culmination of 25 years of meticulous study,” said ANMM Director and CEO Ms. Daryl Karp AM. The ship holds deep cultural significance for Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the U.S., and Pacific Indigenous communities. Authorities are now pursuing both legal and physical measures to preserve the site for future generations.
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Source: gCaptain
