Researchers believe shipwreck may be Capt. Cook’s Endeavour
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Researchers are exploring whether a shipwreck off the coast of Rhode Island could be the vessel that 18th-century explorer Capt. James Cook used to sail around the world.
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project, which is leading the search effort, and the Australian National Maritime Museum identified the vessel. It’s one of 13 shipwrecks that have been known for years to be in the harbour near Newport, R.I.
Archeologists were meeting Friday in Newport to talk about their recent fieldwork.
“Early indications are that the team has narrowed the possible site for the wreck of HMB (His Majesty’s Bark) Endeavour to one site, which is very promising,” said Kevin Sumption, director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum.
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project also described the site as promising but said it’ll still take a lot more work and money to identify it.
HMB Endeavour was Cook’s ship for the first of his three voyages of exploration, beginning in 1768.
This awkward little vessel improbably helped him become the first European to chart Australia’s east coast.
He used the Endeavour to claim Australia for the British during the historic 1768-1771 voyage. Before reaching Australia, he sailed to Tahiti, then New Zealand, where he mapped the coastline.
Prior to his three voyages of exploration, Cook mapped Newfoundland and much of the entrance to the Saint Lawrence River.