Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis are investigating the discovery of at least 19 bodies found drifting at sea. The St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard responded to a report of a partially submerged fishing vessel off the coast of Nevis on February 1, 2025. The boat, which is believed to have originated from the West African coast, was towed to St. Kitts for further investigation.
- 19 bodies discovered drifting at sea
- Investigation by St. Kitts and Nevis authorities
- Vessel believed to be from West Africa
- Advanced decomposition complicates identification efforts
- First such incident in recent memory
The St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard received a report about the drifting vessel at approximately 11:30 AM on February 1. Upon arrival, they found a fishing boat that was partially submerged and contained decomposed human remains. Police Commissioner James Sutton stated that this is the first such incident in recent memory for the twin-island nation.
Authorities are now faced with the challenging task of determining the exact number of bodies and identifying the deceased. The advanced state of decomposition complicates this process. Sutton mentioned that the fishing vessel is unusual for the Caribbean, suggesting it may have originated from the West African coast.
- 19 bodies discovered in a drifting vessel.
- Vessel was found off the coast of Nevis.
- Investigation is ongoing to identify the remains.
This incident raises concerns about maritime safety and illegal migration in the region. As investigations continue, officials are working closely with medical experts to ascertain the identities of the deceased. The situation highlights the risks faced by individuals attempting dangerous sea crossings.
The discovery of the drifting vessel with 19 bodies marks a significant and tragic event for St. Kitts and Nevis. Authorities are committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this incident as they work to identify the victims and address the broader implications of such maritime occurrences.
