Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have initiated a thorough investigation after a boat carrying the decomposed remains of at least 11 individuals washed ashore on the island of Canouan. The 45-foot vessel was discovered near Little Bay and Cherry Hill earlier this week, prompting concerns and questions about its origin and the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) reported that the bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, with some remains not fully intact. No definitive cause of death has been determined, and authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the deceased. Several passports recovered from the vessel suggest a potential link to Mali, West Africa, though official identifications are pending as forensic examinations continue.
The remains have been transported to the Kingstown mortuary for further investigation. Police emphasized the seriousness and sensitivity with which this case is being handled, and they are collaborating with regional and international agencies to trace the boat’s origin and understand how it ended up in Caribbean waters.
This incident coincides with escalating instability in Mali, a West African nation currently grappling with severe security and humanitarian crises. Since July 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Mali due to persistent threats including terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
The circumstances surrounding the voyage remain unclear, including the duration at sea, the conditions endured by those on board, and the factors contributing to the loss of life. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of the boat being involved in a failed migration attempt, reflecting broader concerns over dangerous sea journeys in recent years.
The RSVGPF assures the public that every lead will be pursued rigorously and all appropriate investigative protocols observed to uncover the full story behind this distressing discovery.
