Archaeologist Karla Dana tragically lost her life in a devastating accident involving a Viking ship replica that capsized off the west coast of Norway. The Naddoddur boat, on which Dana was aboard, started taking in water and ultimately sank on Tuesday evening, leaving the 29-year-old from Florida unable to survive the ordeal.
The ‘Viking Voyage’ expedition team and local broadcaster KVF reported that five other adventurers on board the replica ship were rescued on a raft. The survivors have been identified as the skipper and expedition leader Andy Fitze, Livar Nysted, Saeny Blaser, Georg Aebi, and Martin Fitze, hailing from Switzerland and the Faroe Islands.
The journey on the Naddoddur began smoothly when it departed from Tvøroyri in the Faroe Islands on Saturday. However, things took a tragic turn around 6pm on Tuesday as rough seas prompted the explorers to make a distress call off the coast of the Norwegian island of Måløy, as reported by the Faroe Islands-based news outlet Local.fo.
A search and rescue mission from Norway located the sunken Naddoddur and managed to save the five survivors. Tragically, Dana was found drowned to death and trapped under the boat hours later. An autopsy and a police investigation are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding her death.
The survivors, while physically unharmed, were tended to by crisis team members for psychological distress following the traumatic event. Andy had previously described the expedition on Facebook as an ‘unforgettable event that takes you back to the time of the Vikings’, highlighting the historical and adventurous nature of their journey.
The Naddoddur replica ship, named after a famed Norwegian Viking from the late 8th century, was intended to complete his original journey from Norway to the Faroe Islands after he was accidentally blown off course. The boat club that owned the vessel, Naddoddur boat club, shared that the replica had previously sailed to Norway, Iceland, and Shetland, showcasing its historical significance and sailing prowess.
Dana, one of two women on the Viking Voyage expedition team, was part of an ambitious journey to honor and pass on the unwavering determination and pioneering spirit of the Vikings. Berger Jacobsen, chairman of the Naddoddur boat club, emphasized the importance of the voyage in continuing the legacy of the legendary Viking navigator Naddodd.
The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with maritime expeditions and the unpredictable nature of the sea. Despite the best efforts of the expedition team and rescue authorities, the loss of Karla Dana is a somber reminder of the risks involved in such adventurous endeavors.
The impact of Dana’s death on her family, friends, and the archaeological community is immeasurable. Her passion for exploration and dedication to her field will be remembered by those who knew her. The tragic incident highlights the importance of safety measures and preparedness when embarking on maritime expeditions, especially in challenging conditions.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the memory of Karla Dana and the spirit of adventure she embodied will live on. The Viking Voyage expedition will forever be marked by this tragedy, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.