The coastguard of St Kitts and Nevis discovered 13 decomposing bodies in a boat adrift off the coast on January 31, 2025. This incident follows the recent discovery of five bodies in a skiff near Trinidad and Tobago, although officials have not confirmed any connection between the two events.
- 13 decomposing bodies found off St Kitts
- Five bodies discovered near Trinidad and Tobago
- No immediate link between the incidents
- Investigation opened for the captainless boat
- Similarity to a 2021 vessel discovery
- Speculation about migrants from Africa
The discovery of the 13 bodies occurred on a Wednesday, with Cromwell Henry, deputy commissioner of St Kitts and Nevis police, stating that the victims were in an advanced state of decomposition. The boat was found without a captain and has been towed to shore for further investigation. Authorities have not disclosed the age or gender of the deceased.
On January 27, 2025, a similar situation unfolded off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, where coastguard officials found five bodies in a skiff that sank while being towed. The vessels involved in both incidents bear a striking resemblance. In 2021, a similar boat was discovered nearby, which contained the remains of 15 people believed to have drifted from the African coast.
Officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both discoveries. The coastguard of Trinidad and Tobago has noted the poor condition of the skiff found on Saturday, which raises concerns about the safety of migrants attempting to cross the waters in search of better opportunities.
The recent findings in St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago highlight the ongoing challenges related to maritime safety and the plight of migrants in the Caribbean region. Investigations are underway to uncover more details about the deceased and their journeys.
