There are fears that the wreck of Captain James Cook’s ship has been destroyed by shipworms, the “termites of the ocean”.
In February, the Australian Maritime Museum announced that the sunken ship found in the waters off Rhode Island in the US was the famous historic vessel.
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (Rimap) challenged this claim, sparking a transatlantic debate over the site, known as RI 2394.
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Now an expert says he has found evidence that shipworms have infiltrated the wood. Reuben Shipway, a marine biology lecturer at Plymouth University, dived into the wreck and found that shipworms had infiltrated a piece of wood from RI 2394.
Shipworms (actually a worm-like mollusc) infiltrate and eat the wood. “This means that one of the most important wrecks in human history is disappearing right under our noses,” Shipway says.
“This is a ship that connects the UK to Australia and America, because it also played a really important role in the war for American independence. It’s our shared cultural heritage. And it’s being destroyed.”
The Australian Maritime Museum also says the site must be protected. “When the museum made the announcement about the Endeavor, we raised the need for ongoing protection of the site as a major concern. There are a number of solutions that can be implemented to protect not only the Endeavor site but other important ships in Newport Harbour.”
Australian researchers have been working with Rimap for more than two decades to identify the wreck. But relations were strained after the museum’s former CEO Kevin Sumption said he was “certain” it was the Endeavor.
Rimap’s director, Dr. Kathy Abbass, responded angrily. She said that while it was possible that this was the famous ship, work was continuing. At the time, she said Rimap was the lead organization and would publish a final report when the results were finalized.
“Rimap recognizes the connection between Australian citizens of British descent and Endeavour, but Rimap’s conclusions will be guided by the proper scientific process, not by Australian emotions or politics,” Abbass said.
A spokesperson for the museum says they look forward to receiving Abbass’ report, which is expected shortly.
The Endeavour sailed in the South Pacific from 1768 to 1771. Captain Cook conducted scientific surveys and charted the coast of New Zealand and the eastern coastline of Australia before claiming territory for Great Britain.
In 1778, British forces sank this ship in Newport Harbor during the American War of Independence. It is one of the few shipwrecks in the area.
Shipway says the exposed timbers of the wreck were eaten from the inside by the shipworm Teredo navalis. Shipway says anyone who cares about the wreck needs to find the resources and funding to preserve it.
The Guardian. August 14, 2022.
