How East Indiamen ended their careers

Were most East Indiamen sunk, or did many get scrapped?

Many were broken up or converted to hulks; losses at sea were only one part of the fate of a very large merchant fleet.

Hundreds and possibly thousands of East Indiamen served at different periods, so famous wrecks account for only part of their fate. Many ships were scrapped, while others became hulks. A stationary hulk could remain useful after her ocean-going career ended. Loss at sea was one possible ending among several for this large merchant fleet.