Additionally, Bruseth said, a bronze ring found near the skeleton's hand may aid in identifying the remains. Although other human bones have been recovered at the site, Bruseth said the recent find was the first complete human skeleton. French government representatives have been notified of the find as the first step in possibly returning the remains to France. French seamen of the period traditionally stored their dead below deck until the deceased could be returned to land for burial in consecrated ground, and Bruseth said it is possible the person was dead when the ship sank. Bruseth said a small wooden cask was found near the body, and he speculated the victim may have been one of several crewmen who died of thirst when water supplies were depleted.
Some historians believe the resultant drunkenness contributed to the ship's loss.
Discovery of the skeleton near a coil of rope in the ship's bow, about 20 inches below the bay floor, was the latest surprise for researchers who already have recovered a treasure trove of artifacts. Also found in recent weeks were a swivel gun and a wooden gun carriage, likely used on deck to support an iron cannon. Bruseth described such finds as rare. We aren't certain what all we may find. La Salle was trying to establish a colony, so we would expect to find provisions to support that venture.