Archaeologists identify 250-year-old shipwreck in Orkney
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250-year-old Royal Navy shipwreck, later turned whaling vessel, identified off Orkney's coast.
250-Year-Old Royal Navy Shipwreck Identified in Orkney’s Sanday Waters
Historic Discovery in Sanday
Archaeologists have officially identified a shipwreck discovered on the island of Sanday, Orkney, as the Earl of Chatham, a 250-year-old former Royal Navy vessel. Once known as HMS Hind, the vessel was later repurposed into a whaling ship before its tragic wreck in 1788.
From Warship to Whaler
Originally a sixth-rate 24-gun frigate, HMS Hind served prominently in key military campaigns, including the sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec during the 1750s. The ship remained active through the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s before its transformation into a whaling ship—a common practice at the time due to the ships’ strong build, ideal for icy Arctic conditions.
A Community-Led Revelation
The wreck was first uncovered in February 2023 when storm activity dislodged its timbers from the seabed. With the help of Wessex Archaeology, local volunteers, and dendrochronology experts, the ship was traced back to the Earl of Chatham. Months of meticulous historical and scientific analysis confirmed the ship’s identity.
Preserving the Past with Science
Dendrochronological (tree-ring) analysis revealed that the vessel was built from timber sourced from southern and southwestern England. The technique enabled precise dating of the wood, reinforcing the link to the Earl of Chatham. The timbers are now being preserved in a specially funded freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre to prevent decay after exposure to air.
Survival and Legacy
Remarkably, all 56 crew members aboard the Earl of Chatham survived the shipwreck in the Bay of Lopness in March 1788. The incident adds to Sanday’s storied past as “the cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland,” known for both its perilous coast and the community’s warm hospitality toward shipwrecked sailors.
Heritage and Future Possibilities
Ben Saunders, senior marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, noted that the project not only unveiled details about the ship itself but also shed light on the Sanday community’s maritime legacy during the 1780s.
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Local Excitement and Cultural Importance
Clive Struver, chair of the Sanday Development Trust, described the discovery as “hugely exciting” and emphasized the importance of community involvement in deciding the ship’s future legacy. As coastline changes potentially expose more historic wrecks, this project highlights the powerful intersection of science, history, and community engagement.
Preserving Maritime History Together
As the people of Sanday look ahead, the identification of the Earl of Chatham stands as a testament to collaborative research and the significance of preserving the maritime heritage that shaped local history centuries ago.
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