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MOSCOW, 5 Apr. Female remains found on the Swedish warship Vasa that sank in 1628, writes Phys.org.
The ship was raised back in 1961. Then the first archaeological research was carried out.
Scientists have previously assumed that there were women on board. In particular, doubts were connected with the skeleton, named «G». Initially, it was determined that it belonged to a man. But recently osteologists began to doubt.
Extracting DNA from bones that have lain in salt water for 333 years is difficult. But probably. Scientists from Sweden conducted an analysis and did not find a Y chromosome in the sample. However, they were still unsure of the results. And only now have they been able to confirm their hypothesis.
The US Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory was involved in the study. She specializes in DNA analysis of the remains of military personnel. It was there that they were able to confirm that the skeleton of «G» is indeed female.
Scientists are waiting for additional test results. Thanks to them, much will become known about the appearance and origin of the Vasa team. For example, they will show what color the hair and eyes of the crew members were.
Vasa was one of the most expensive warships in the Swedish fleet in the 17th century. There were high hopes for him. But the ship sank already during the first voyage — design errors were made. Now it is presented in a specially built museum for it.