Emotions run high over ‘final resting place' of Cook's Endeavour

AN AUSTRALIAN museum today announced the discovery of the final resting place of Captain James Cook’s research vessel Endeavour — sparking a furious row with US researchers who said the claim was “premature”.

- Michael Howie

The Australian National Maritime Museum said it was “confident” they had found the spot where the ship sank.

The Endeavour was used by Cook on his first voyage of discovery to the Pacific between 1768 and 1771, resulting in Britain’s first encounter with the “unknown southern land” — Australia.

Kevin Sumption, the museum’s chief executive, told reporters at a media event in Sydney: “We can conclusively confirm that this is indeed the wreck of Cook’s Endeavour.

“This is an important moment. It is arguably one of the most important vessels in our maritime history.”