A platypus pelt and sketch sent to Britain by John Hunter in 1798 became an early European record of the animal. Hunter later returned to sea in command of the 74-gun HMS Venerable. After the ship grounded, bilged, and began breaking apart, most of the crew escaped with little loss of life. A court martial fully acquitted Hunter, and he later rose to vice admiral without again hoisting his flag at sea.
Notable Point · 2:50:03-2:50:58
John Hunter records the platypus and loses HMS Venerable
Hunter sent an early platypus record to Britain, then survived HMS Venerable's wreck, an acquittal, and eventual promotion.