Fact Check: "Only 15% of HMS Endeavour survived underwater."
What We Know
The claim that "only 15% of HMS Endeavour survived underwater" is supported by recent findings regarding the shipwreck of HMS Endeavour, which was confirmed to be the remains of the ship that Captain James Cook commanded during his first voyage from 1768 to 1771. According to a report from the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), only about 15% of the ship remains, as most of the hull has decomposed or been buried by sediment over the years (source-3). This finding aligns with the historical context of the ship's scuttling in 1778 during the American Revolution, where it was deliberately sunk along with other vessels in Newport Harbor (source-5).
Analysis
The assertion that only 15% of HMS Endeavour remains is derived from archaeological assessments of the wreck site, specifically the identification of the ship as RI 2394, located off the coast of Rhode Island. The research indicates that the surviving structure consists of timbers that are consistent with the specifications of HMS Endeavour, but the majority of the ship has either decomposed or been lost to sedimentation (source-3).
The credibility of this claim is bolstered by the collaborative efforts of reputable institutions like the ANMM and RIMAP, which have conducted thorough investigations and have a history of archaeological work related to maritime history. However, the initial announcement by ANMM was met with skepticism from RIMAP, which called for more evidence before confirming the wreck's identity (source-3). This indicates a level of scientific rigor and caution in the claims being made, although it also highlights the ongoing debate in the archaeological community regarding the extent of the wreck's preservation.
Conclusion
Needs Research: While the claim that only 15% of HMS Endeavour survived underwater is supported by archaeological findings, the context of these findings suggests that further research may be necessary to fully understand the extent of the wreck and the implications of its preservation. The initial skepticism from RIMAP indicates that while there is a consensus emerging, the evidence may still be subject to further scrutiny and verification.
