HMB Endeavour wreck chartered by Captain James Cook found after 22-year search

Controversy has erupted between two groups involved in the search for HMB Endeavour after a major discovery was announced.

Controversy has erupted between two groups involved in the 22-year search for Captain Cook’s ship after maritime archaeologists claimed they found the remains of the HMB Endeavour.

Found off the coast of Newport Harbor in Rhode Island, USA at a spot known as ‘RI 2394’ the remnants match the potential dimensions, structure, shape and construction of ship.

While more testing is needed, the Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum, Kevin Sumption says he is “satisfied” with the “archival and archaeological” evidence so far.

“It’s an important historical moment, as this vessel’s role in exploration, astronomy and science applies not just to Australia, but also Aotearoa New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States,” said Mr Sumption.

“Although only around 15 per cent of the vessel remains, the focus is now on what can be done to protect and preserve it.

“The museum continues to work closely with maritime experts in Rhode Island and of course with the Australian, Rhode Island and US Governments to secure the site.”

But Dr Kathy Abass, the lead investigator of the American operation, said the announcement was “premature” and a “breach of contract”.”

Stream more science news live & on demand with Flash, a dedicated news streaming service. New to Flash? Try 14 days free now >

The Endeavour was used on Captain Cook’s maiden voyage to Australia. Picture: Stephen Schmidt, Australian National Maritime Museum.

“The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) is now and always has been the lead organisation for the study in the Newport harbour,” she said in a statement.

“What we see on the shipwreck site under study is consistent with what might be expected of the Endeavour, but there has been no indisputable data found to prove the site is that iconic vessel, and there are many unanswered questions that could overturn such an identification.

Dr Abbass said her organisation’s conclusions would be driven by “proper scientific process and not Australian emotions of politics”.

#BREAKING The lead investigator on the Endeavour discovery -- Dr Kathy Abbass from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project -- says that Australia has jumped the gun ⚓️

Says report is "premature" and that the Maritime Museum is "in breach of the contract" @abcnewspic.twitter.com/M0AKFymju0

— Jamie Travers (@JamieTravers) February 3, 2022

According to the Australian National Maritime Museum however, there are many leading clues which suggest the boat is most likely the HMB Endeavour. This includes the “length of the surviving hull,” the “structural details and shape,” and the timber sample which suggests it was built in Europe and not America. Other diagnostic clues also include the construction of the keel along the bottom of the wreck, the joinery used in its bow at the front and the placement of the vessel’s fore and main mast which are identical to those shown on 18th century plans of Endeavour.

The discovery has been 22 years in the making. Picture: Australian National Maritime Museum.

Dubbing the vessel as “one of the most important and contentious vessels in Australia’s maritime history,” efforts will now be focused on maintaining the wreck, said Mr Sumption.

“Although only around 15 per cent of the vessel remains, the focus is now on what can be done to protect and preserve it,” he said.

“We are currently in the process of finalising our report on the site and are looking forward to that report being peer reviewed and published in due course.

“The archaeological work continues, and we anticipate further discussion of the evidence over the coming months. We look forward to continuing the work in Rhode Island as we move to the next phase.”

The dimensions, structure, shape and construction of ship suggest the uncovered wreckage is of the HMB Endeavour. Picture: Australian National Maritime Museum.

While the HMB Endeavour might be most well known for its involvement in Captain Cook’s maiden voyage to Australia and New Zealand from 1768 to 1771, which allowed him to chart the coast of New Zealand and east coast of Australia, it was sold to a private owner in 1775.

From there it was renamed to Lord Sandwich and used to ferry goods to the Baltic before it was hired to transport troops to fight against the American colonists by the Royal Navy.

The ship was believed to have been scuttled, or deliberately sank, by the British in August 1778 in a defensive move against the combined American and French forces.

Lord Sandwich was sunk alongside the Earl of Orford, Mayflower, Peggy and Yowart in order to create a blockade at the northern end of the Harbor.

The Australian National Maritime Museum stood by its announcement.

“We don’t believe we are in breach of contract,” a museum spokesperson said.

“We are about to embark on a due process of putting the paper out to the archaeological community and so further insights will be made as happens with all archaeological projects.

“She can have her opinion and we’ve got ours.”