A multidisciplinary team of eleven researchers has reconstructed the sinking of the Italian ship San Giorgio e Sant'Elmo Buonaventura in the Bay of Cadiz, destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587. The study utilized various scientific techniques to analyze well-preserved organic materials, including skeletal remains and sealed jars containing food items. Notably, DNA analysis revealed pathogens affecting the crew, and wooden barrels containing cochineal dye were also discovered, dating back to the time of the sinking.