Police Investigate Vessel with 11 Decomposed Bodies Washed Ashore in Caribbean

Police are investigating a vessel with 11 decomposed bodies found on Canouan island. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force responded to reports of a suspicious boat and discovered the remains. The vessel contained passports from Mali, but identities have not yet been confirmed. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from regional and international partners.

Authorities have initiated an investigation regarding a vessel that washed ashore on the Caribbean island of Canouan, which contained the decomposed remains of at least 11 individuals. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) received a report around 10:45 a.m. Monday, reporting a suspicious boat found along the coastline near Little Bay and Cherry Hill.

Canouan police promptly responded and discovered the vessel, which measures 45 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet deep. Upon examination, they uncovered the remains of the 11 individuals aboard, described by police as being in an “advanced state of decomposition,” with some remains not being entirely intact.

Moreover, investigators retrieved several passports from the boat that appear to originate from Mali, a country in West Africa. However, it is important to note that police have yet to confirm any identities of the deceased, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident continues.

The RSVGPF has stated they are collaborating with both regional and international partners to ascertain the boat’s origins and the identities of the individuals involved. The human remains have been sent to the Kingstown mortuary on the island of St. Vincent for further forensic analysis and investigative processes.

“This incident is deeply concerning, and we understand the public’s interest in the matter,” the police emphasized, assuring the community that their investigation is being handled with “utmost seriousness and sensitivity.” They also stated their commitment to following all appropriate protocols while pursuing every lead.

In a related note, the U.S. State Department had issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for Mali back in July 2023. This warning was prompted by concerns regarding crime, including terrorism and kidnapping in the region. The advisory clearly outlines that violent crime is not uncommon and there is a heightened risk during local holidays and events in Mali’s southern regions and its capital, Bamako.

In summary, the ongoing investigation into the vessel containing 11 decomposed bodies off the coast of Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has raised significant concerns. With indications pointing towards West African connections, likely from Mali, the RSVGPF is working diligently alongside international partners to uncover the identities of the deceased and the circumstances leading to this tragic situation. Public interest and the sensitivity of the case remain a priority for local authorities.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com