An American woman has died after her replica ship capsized in rough seas during an expedition from the Faroe Islands to Norway.
Six people were on board the Naddoddur when it ran into trouble on Tuesday night, the fourth day of the voyage, and sent out a distress signal.
Only five people managed to get into the inflatable life raft. They were then airlifted to safety by helicopter.
The body of a woman was eventually found Wednesday morning not far from where the boat sank.
The Norwegian Sea Rescue Society (NSSR) said the situation west of the town of Stad was very serious at the time. Post video of strong winds and high seas.
Waves were reported to be as high as 5 m (16 ft) and wind speeds were as high as 40 knots.
Bergur Jacobsen, chairman of the Naddoddur Rowing Club in the Faroe Islands, told the BBC that everyone was very sad about what had happened.
He explained that the 10m long ship had previously participated in Viking voyages to Iceland, Shetland and Norway.
“It’s not a Viking ship, it’s a Faroese fishing boat, no engine, but it has sails.”
He said he could not speak about the accident because a Norwegian investigative team would speak to him.
Locals are said to be shocked by what happened. One sailor told the BBC that tourists were keen to go on adventures on the ship, although he would not do so himself.
Due to bad weather, the expedition was postponed for a few days until Saturday.
Andy Fitze, one of four Swiss citizens on the trip, posted a map on social media two days after the voyage showing the ship heading northeast of the Shetland Islands.
Before setting off, Faroe Islander crew member Livar Nysted said that when you’re in a storm, “you can only do the best you can.”
“It’s an open boat. You sleep under the stars, and when it rains or the wind blows, you can feel the breath of nature.”
