A shipwreck discovered in February 2024 on Sanday, one of the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, has been identified as the Earl of Chatham, an 18th-century British warship. The remains were uncovered when a storm washed away the sand that had buried them. The research team reports that the ship dates back to 1749 and was first known as HMS Hind, a Royal Navy frigate. The ship took part in key battles at Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and later protected transport ships during the American War of Independence. In 1784, it was sold and renamed. The ship was then used for whaling in the Arctic before it sank in 1788 off Sanday. All 56 crew members survived.

Scientists used a technique called dendrochronology to identify the age of the wooden remains by analyzing tree rings. The oak timbers were dated to the mid-1700s and came from southern England, which matched British naval records. Around 12 tons of timber were recovered with the help of local residents using tractors and trailers. The remains are currently being stored in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre, where plans for a permanent exhibit are under discussion. The project has been described as a strong example of community involvement in archaeology. With over 270 shipwrecks recorded around Sanday, experts believe that more discoveries may follow as climate change alters wind patterns and increases coastal erosion in the region.