Well, this is just a random guess, but as you can see here [0], the navigation channel where a linked article roughly located the wreck [1] seems to vary in dep

Well, this is just a random guess, but as you can see here [0], the navigation channel where a linked article roughly located the wreck [1] seems to vary in depth between 50-120'. Looking at a similar style ship from the same timeframe [2], we see a main mast height taller than the water depth in that location. I would imagine if you scuttled the ships in a precise pattern, it would make it incredibly difficult for a ship under wind power to enter the port and avoid hitting the mast of a scuttled ship. I just happened to be in Newport this summer and learned about the area's history. The people who lived there were very accomplished seamen and I would not doubt their knowledge was put to good use in setting up that blockade. [0] http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/13223.shtml http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/13223.shtml [1] https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/hms-endeavour-found-one-of-the-greatest-maritime-mysteries-of-all-time-solved-20180919-p504lx.html https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/hms-endeavour-fou... [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution