Schoolboy's Discovery Unveils 250-Year-Old Royal Navy Shipwreck in Orkney

A schoolboy's chance encounter with the exposed ribs of a wooden ship on a remote Orkney beach led to the identification of a 250-year-old shipwreck.

Archaeologists and local volunteers determined the wreck to be the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy frigate that later served as a whaling vessel and participated in the siege of Quebec. The ship was uncovered on Sanday Island in early 2024, sparking a collaborative investigation combining scientific analysis and community research. This remarkable find sheds light on the maritime history of the region and the vessel's storied past.

The discovery highlights the value of local involvement in uncovering and preserving historical artifacts.