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.