American Archaeologist Dies in Replica Viking Boat Capsizing off Norway

An American archaeologist has died after an expedition aboard a replica Viking boat capsized off the coast of Norway, local media reported Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Karla Dana, a 29-year-old from the United States. The incident occurred on Tuesday near the town of Stad, on the fourth day of the expedition, which involved six people. Five of them escaped on an inflatable life raft, while Dana remained unaccounted for until her body was found in the water on Wednesday.

An American archaeologist has died after a replica Viking boat capsized off the coast of Norway on Tuesday, according to local media reports. The incident occurred near the town of Stad, on the fourth day of the expedition, which involved six people. Five of them escaped on an inflatable life raft, while the sixth person remained unaccounted for until a woman's body was found in the water on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Karla Dana, a 29-year-old from the United States. Dana was an archaeologist with a focus on the Viking era, according to her LinkedIn profile. She had previously worked and studied in various countries, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, England, Germany, Morocco, China, and Taiwan.

American Archaeologist Dies in Replica Viking Boat Capsizing off Norway

A strong wave was likely responsible for the capsizing of the Viking ship replica, police said Thursday, describing it as a "tragic accident" that did not constitute a criminal matter. The Norwegian Sea Rescue Society said conditions were "very demanding" at the time the vessel capsized and sent a distress signal, with winds as strong as 40 knots and rough seas with waves as high as 16 feet.

The Sail2North expedition group, which was piloting the replica Viking ship named Naddoddur, expressed its condolences to Dana's family and loved ones. In an Instagram post, the group described Dana as "the youngest member of our crew" who "epitomizes the spirit of exploration."

American Archaeologist Dies in Replica Viking Boat Capsizing off Norway

The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen to Fox News Digital on Thursday morning but did not identify the deceased individual. A spokesperson for the State Department extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

The body of a woman was found Wednesday near where the vessel capsized, officials said. The Norwegian Armed Forces and Coast Guard assisted in the search and rescue operation. The Viking ship replica is currently moored at the quay in Måløy, Norway.

American Archaeologist Dies in Replica Viking Boat Capsizing off Norway

An official statement from the Sail2North expedition group is expected to be released Friday at 11 a.m. CET. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being clarified.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.