The wreck of the Endeavour, Captain James Cook’s legendary ship, has been identified in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, 250 years after it sank. The vessel, which brought the British to Australia’s east coast in 1770 and circumnavigated New Zealand’s main islands between 1768 and 1771, was confirmed as wreck RI 2394 by the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) after 25 years of research.
Originally sold in 1775 and renamed Lord Sandwich, the ship was deliberately sunk in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War as a barrier ship. The identification, announced in a new ANMM exhibition, relied on archaeological evidence, including wooden beams matching the Endeavour’s main and foremast positions, precise measurements aligning with the 1768 naval survey, and European-origin wood consistent with 1776 repairs. A distinctive bow hinge further corroborated the find, as it matched no other 18th-century ship plans.
ANMM archaeologist Kieran Hosty emphasized the precision of the evidence, noting timber dimensions accurate to millimeters and the unique bow hinge. However, the 2022 preliminary identification sparked controversy with the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), which called the announcement premature and a breach of contract, claiming leadership in the study. ANMM archaeologists, including James Hunter, maintain their findings are robust, despite only 15% of the ship remaining and valuable items like bells likely removed before sinking.
The ANMM acknowledged RIMAP’s contributions and noted ongoing debates about other potential wrecks. Researchers are now focused on preserving the site, with no definitive artifacts like a bell inscribed “Endeavour” expected. The discovery marks a significant milestone in maritime history, confirming the final resting place of Cook’s iconic vessel.
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