Titanic may be more famous, but the tragedy of the Mary Rose can take scientists even further back in time.

Four and a half centuries ago, the ship's sudden sinking in calm seas claimed the lives of almost its entire crew.

Of the 415 soldiers, sailors and servants aboard, less than three dozen men survived.

Marine archaeologist Margaret Rule said on Tuesday that although the Mary Rose was not a treasure ship, the abundance and variety of everyday items aboard were invaluable.

Amateur and professional divers have retrieved more than 25,000 different objects and the remains of 200 of the ship's crew since major excavation began in 1979.

And Dr. Rule said Prince Charles, one of the project's most enthusiastic participants, had enjoyed several dives to the site.

"He always asked the most pertinent questions,'' she said. Dr. Rule told Hamilton Rotary members at a Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute luncheon that preservation efforts had continued since 1982 when the sunken ship was recovered from the ocean floor.

And modern day scientists are still learning details of seafaring life from the everyday objects discovered aboard the Mary Rose , she explained.

Objects found aboard the sunken ship range from mattresses to two-ton guns, complete backgammon sets to musical instruments.

Replicas of long bows found aboard the ship were found to be accurate for up to 250 yards and capable of shooting armour piercing arrows.

And much of the crew's clothing has remained intact and gives scientists a glimpse into the different social levels.

Researchers have even studied skeletal animal remains to learn more about the crew's general diet and health.

Butchery and storage techniques showed there was a high level of quality control, explained Dr.Rule.

"The men aboard the ship were obviously cared for,'' she said.