American archeologist dies after Viking ship replica capsizes off Norway

An American archeologist has died after a Viking ship replica capsized off Norway, authorities said.

A crew of six people sailed on the open boat, called Naddodd, across the North Atlantic from the Faroe Islands to Norway, according to the Norwegian TV and radio network NRK.

On Tuesday night, the team sent a distress signal amid deteriorating weather conditions. The boat then capsized off the coastal town of Stad. Five of the crew members managed to board an inflatable life raft and were rescued by helicopter, but one woman got trapped beneath the boat and drowned. Her body was recovered Wednesday.

Authorities did not name the victim. Norwegian and Faeroese media identified her as Karla Dana, 29, of Florida.

Police believe a strong wave was most likely responsible for the ship’s downfall, The Associated Press reported Thursday.

A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen off Norway but declined to provide further details out of respect for the family’s privacy.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” the State Department said.

A video the humanitarian organization Redningsselskapet posted on X captured the challenging conditions of rescue efforts, showing heavy rain and strong winds as a rescue boat approached the Viking ship’s location.

“We keep an eye on the ship and do what we can to assist with the salvage, but the weather conditions make it very demanding,” the post read in Norwegian. In a subsequent post, the group said darkness also made its search difficult.

Dana’s LinkedIn page describes her as an archeologist and ethnographic field researcher who has studied in a multitude of countries.

In a post a few months ago, she had expressed her excitement about the journey.

“Thrilled to be a part of this crew,” she said, “fearlessly embarking on this Nordic voyage on a Viking ship replica across the North Sea, pushing through physical and mental limits to sail into history.”

In a statement Friday, Sail2North, which operated the boat, paid tribute to Dana. “We are deeply heartbroken to share the news that our dear friend and fellow explorer, Karla Dana, has passed away,” it said in a post on Instagram.

“This mission was a tribute to historical exploration and a reflection of Karla’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and preserving cultural heritage,” it added.