Real-Life "Mermaids"? The Bajau People Can Dive for Up to 5 Hours a Day, and Science Finally Knows Why

For years, scientists have been mystified about the Bajau people and their unique ability to stay underwater for hours. A new discovery is shedding a little light on these "Sea Nomads" of Indonesia.

New Research Finds the Bajau People Have Larger Than Normal Spleens

The Bajau tribe of Southeast Asia is known for its remarkable ability to spend a significant amount of time underwater, swimming and fishing for food without the use of scuba gear. This ability has been studied for years, but it is only recently that scientists believe that they have unlocked the key to this mystery.

According to new research, scientists believe that the larger spleens of the Bajau people may be why they are able to hold their breath for so long. This organ helps to distribute red blood cells rich in oxygen throughout the body's bloodstream. This added boost of oxygen helps to explain why the Bajau tribe is able to spend hours diving underwater without tiring as quickly as the typical person.

While it may seem inconsequential, scientists note that having a large spleen can make a significant difference in the ability of the body to dive and search for food for hours per day. Some of these divers have been observed descending to depths of over 70 meters for several minutes at a time.

About the Sea Nomads

These so-called Sea Nomads have been living on houseboats traversing the waters of Southeast Asia for thousands of years. They are nearly entirely dependent on the sea for nourishment, only coming ashore occasionally. As a result, they have learned how to spend up to eight hours a day diving to forage for food. While some of the jaunts under the surface of the water may last a few seconds, other explorations could go on for several minutes.

The tribe leans on the use of wooden goggles and a weighted belt to assist in their aquatic work. According to Melissa Ilardo, author of the study at the University of Copenhagen, there is a "human dive response that’s triggered by holding your breath and submerging yourself in water. You can trigger it by submerging your face in cold water." Ilardo noted that the body's heart rate naturally slows down while the "blood vessels in your extremities get smaller to preserve the oxygenated blood for your vital organs, and then the last thing is a contraction of the spleen."

Ilardo also detailed that the spleen serves as a "reservoir for oxygenated red blood cells, so when it contracts, it gives you an oxygen boost. It’s like a biological scuba tank.” All of this scientific background helps to explain why the Bajau tribe is able to spend longer times underwater without experiencing as much fatigue. Scientists are hopeful that by further studying this tribe, more information about the genes that predict how people will respond to low oxygen levels will be revealed.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.