Scientists Confirm Identity of Infamous, Centuries-Old Shipwreck
The Endeavour was sunk off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island, during the Revolutionary War, though no one knew the exact location for centuries. It wasn't until the late 1990s that researchers considered one of the wrecks off of Newport might be the Endeavour. In 2000, the ANMM began their investigation of the wreck, though only 15 percent of the ship was recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic.
After 25 years of work, ANMM researchers feel they have definitively proven that the Newport wreck is the HMS Endeavour. Citing the use of timber matches as well as site overlays on original designs and shipbuilding details, the ANMM called the results 'the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel. It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe. This final report marks our definitive statement on the project.'
However, the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), a longtime collaborator on the research, has accused the ANMM of allowing 'Australian politics or emotions' to cloud the results. 'There are numerous questions that remain unanswered that could reverse such an identification,' said RIMAP director Kathy Abbass without elaborating.
Regardless of which country is correct, the ANMM has called for an immediate conservation of the vessel, citing the deterioration it's experienced over time due to marine life and other ecological factors.
Scientists Confirm Identity of Infamous, Centuries-Old Shipwreck first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2025
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