Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/31/2005

Question
We see many TV shows exploring shipwrecks, like the Titanic.  When a body is lost at sea, or buried at sea, how long does it take for the body to completely decompose?  Do you know of any websites that could give information on this topic?

If this is not within your field of expertise could you recommend someone or some place?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
The soft tissues of a Human body are rapidly consumed in a manner of days by creatures such as hagfish, a jawless relative of the lamphrey eels,and by various fishes and invertebrates like crabs.  The skeleton takes much longer.  Try searching google for  more information.