An American archaeologist has died after boarding an expedition aboard a replica of a Viking ship that capsized off the coast of Norway on Tuesday, according to reports.
Six people were aboard the Naddoddur, a replica Viking ship operated by the Sail2North expedition group, when the boat capsized near the town of Stad on the sailors’ fourth day at sea, according to the BBC.
Five of those on board were able to escape in an inflatable life raft, while the sixth person remained unaccounted for until the body of a woman was found in the water on Wednesday.
Norwegian media identified the victim as Karla Dana, 29. An Instagram post from Sail2North described Dana as “the youngest member of our crew” who “embodies the spirit of exploration.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed to Fox News Digital on Thursday morning the death of a U.S. citizen, but did not identify the deceased.
“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen off the coast of Norway,” the State Department spokesman said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we have no further comment at this time.”
A public relations group representing the Sail2North expedition group told Fox News Digital via email that it was unable to comment further at this time “as the circumstances are still being clarified.”
An official statement is expected to be released on Friday at 11am CET.
At the time the ship capsized and sent out a distress signal, the Norwegian Sea Rescue Society said conditions were “very demanding,” sharing video of winds as strong as 46 MPH and rough seas with waves as high as 16 feet.
On Thursday, police said a strong wave was likely responsible for the capsizing of the replica Viking ship, describing it as a “tragic accident” that did not constitute a criminal matter.
Dana’s LinkedIn profile states that she is an archaeologist with a focus on the Viking Age. She has previously worked and studied in various countries, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, England, Germany, Morocco, China, and Taiwan.
