Fact Check: "HMS Endeavour wreck confirmed after years of debate"
What We Know
The claim that the wreck of the HMS Endeavour has been confirmed follows a lengthy investigation into its location, which has been debated for years. The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) initially proposed that the wreck was located in Rhode Island, USA, in 2022. This assertion was met with skepticism from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), which labeled the announcement as "premature" and suggested it was influenced by "Australian emotions and politics" rather than scientific evidence (The Telegraph). However, a final report has now been released confirming that the wreck is indeed located in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island.
The report, which is the culmination of 25 years of archaeological study, includes evidence such as the alignment of timber measurements with historical records of the Endeavour, and the origin of the wood being traced back to Europe, consistent with the ship's repair history (Ars Technica). The ANMM and RIMAP have both now agreed that the wreck, designated as RI 2394, is the remains of the HMS Endeavour, formerly known as the Lord Sandwich after being sold in 1775 (CBS News).
Analysis
The confirmation of the HMS Endeavour wreck is supported by a comprehensive analysis of the ship's timbers and structural features. Kieran Hosty, an archaeologist from ANMM, noted that the dimensions of the timbers are nearly identical to those of the Endeavour, with measurements being precise to within millimeters. The unique characteristics of the ship's stem scarf also align with historical plans of the Endeavour, further supporting the identification (Ars Technica).
The collaboration between ANMM and RIMAP has been critical in reaching this conclusion. Initially, RIMAP's skepticism highlighted the need for more evidence, which has now been satisfied through extensive archaeological work and analysis (The Telegraph). The final report indicates that the criteria established for identifying the wreck have been met, thus lending credibility to the findings.
Both organizations are reputable within the field of maritime archaeology, with ANMM being a leading institution in Australia and RIMAP having a strong track record of locating historical shipwrecks. Their joint confirmation of the wreck's identity significantly enhances the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The wreck of the HMS Endeavour has been confirmed to be located in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, following extensive archaeological research and analysis. The collaboration between the ANMM and RIMAP has provided a "preponderance of evidence" that supports this identification, overcoming earlier skepticism and debate regarding the wreck's location.
