Fact Check: Endeavour wreck found just 500 meters off Rhode Island coast.

Fact Check: "Endeavour wreck found just 500 meters off Rhode Island coast."

What We Know

The claim that the wreck of the HMS Endeavour was found just 500 meters off the Rhode Island coast is supported by recent confirmations from both the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP). The wreck, designated as RI 2394, is located approximately 14 meters below the surface and has been buried under sediment for nearly 250 years (Ars Technica).

The HMS Endeavour, famously captained by James Cook during its first voyage from 1768 to 1771, was later renamed the Lord Sandwich and scuttled in Newport Harbor during the American Revolutionary War to prevent its capture by American or French forces (American Military News). The identification of the wreck as the Endeavour was based on a combination of historical records, archaeological findings, and specific features of the ship's construction, such as the unique stem scarf (Ars Technica).

Analysis

The confirmation of the wreck's identity has been a subject of extensive research and debate. Initially, in 2018, RIMAP suggested that the wreck found off Rhode Island was likely the Endeavour, but they called for more evidence to solidify this claim (Ars Technica). The final report, released in 2023, has since provided sufficient evidence to reach a consensus between RIMAP and ANMM, confirming the wreck as the Endeavour. This conclusion is based on a thorough analysis of the ship's timbers and construction details, which align closely with historical records of the Endeavour (American Military News).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they come from reputable institutions involved in maritime archaeology and historical research. The ANMM has a long-standing reputation for its work in maritime history, and RIMAP has been actively involved in locating and studying shipwrecks in Rhode Island for decades. The collaboration between these two organizations adds credibility to the findings, as they have agreed on the criteria for identification and have worked together to analyze the evidence (Ars Technica).

Conclusion

The claim that the wreck of the HMS Endeavour was found just 500 meters off the Rhode Island coast is True. The convergence of archaeological evidence, historical documentation, and the consensus reached by both RIMAP and ANMM supports this conclusion. The wreck has been positively identified as the remnants of the Endeavour, confirming its location and historical significance.