Archaeologists confirm the Earl of Chatham as the 250-year-old shipwreck

In February 2024, a significant archaeological discovery occurred on Sanday, one of the northern Orkney Islands in Scotland, when the remains of a wooden shipwreck were uncovered due to storm damage that removed the protective sand covering it. This remote area, with a history linked to maritime dangers, has seen approximately 270 shipwrecks documented since the 15th century. Local community members, aided by archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, turned their attention to the ship's identification after farmers helped recover the timbers from the beach. Further investigation revealed that the vessel had a storied past. Initially constructed in 1749, the ship served as HMS Hind, a 24-gun Royal Navy frigate involved in several significant military campaigns, including pivotal moments during the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolutionary War. After being sold by the navy in 1784, the ship was renamed the Earl of Chatham and repurposed as a whaling vessel, participating in the whaling trade up until its demise in March 1788. The shipwreck occurred off the coast of Sanday while heading to the whaling grounds, with all 56 crew members managing to survive the incident, adding to the narrative of the ship's lucky charm. The project surrounding the Sanday Wreck exemplifies successful community engagement in archaeology. Community members from Sanday played a pivotal role in the discovery and identification process, demonstrating their vested interest in local heritage and maritime history. Experts, including Ben Saunders from Wessex Archaeology, noted the collaborative effort that not only led to the ship's identification but also instilled pride within the local population. Such community involvement highlights the importance of local knowledge and participation in historical discoveries. The environmental changes attributed to increasing storm activity and climate change have opened the door to the potential for more shipwrecks to be unearthed along the Scottish coast, indicating that this discovery could serve as a precursor to more archaeological endeavors in the region. With ongoing support from various heritage organizations in Scotland, the community continues to work together to explore further possibilities regarding their maritime history and the significance of the Sanday Wreck.