A macabre discovery of eleven decomposed bodies aboard a vessel washed ashore on Canouan Island has sparked an international investigation involving multiple agencies trying to unravel how a boat possibly from Mali ended up in the Eastern Caribbean.

At a Glance

• Police found 11 decomposed bodies on a vessel that washed ashore on Canouan Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Several passports from the Republic of Mali were recovered, suggesting the deceased may have been Malian nationals
• The remains were in an advanced state of decomposition with some bodies not fully intact
• The 45-foot vessel was discovered near Little Bay and Cherry Hill areas of the island
• Authorities have transported the remains to St. Vincent for forensic examination

Mystery Vessel Discovered with Grim Cargo

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) received a troubling report Monday morning about an abandoned vessel near the shores of Canouan Island. Upon investigation, authorities made the gruesome discovery of 11 bodies in advanced stages of decomposition aboard the craft. The boat, measuring 45 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet deep, had washed ashore in the vicinity of Little Bay and Cherry Hill on the small Caribbean island, part of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to reports from Fox News and the New York Post, the state of the remains was so severe that some bodies were not fully intact, complicating identification efforts. Most significantly, investigators recovered several passports from the Republic of Mali, suggesting the deceased may have been nationals of the West African country. This discovery has transformed a local maritime incident into an international investigation spanning multiple continents.

International Investigation Underway

The authorities have transported all remains to the main island of St. Vincent for comprehensive forensic examination. The RSVGPF has stated they are working diligently with regional and international partners to determine the vessel’s origin and identify the deceased individuals. Given the discovery of Malian passports, investigators are likely coordinating with West African authorities to cross-reference missing persons reports and establish how these individuals came to be on a vessel in the Caribbean.

“This incident is deeply concerning, and we understand the public’s interest in the matter,” stated the police in an official release. “We assure you that the RSVGPF is treating this investigation with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.”

The distance between Mali and the Eastern Caribbean raises serious questions about the journey these individuals undertook. Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, meaning any sea voyage would have required initial travel to a coastal nation. The logistics and timeline of such a journey remain unclear, adding layers of complexity to the investigation.

Dangerous Conditions in Mali May Provide Context

The discovery comes against the backdrop of significant security concerns in Mali. The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the West African nation due to widespread crime, terrorism, and kidnapping threats. This highest-level travel warning has been in place since July 2023, reflecting the deteriorating security situation in the country.

“Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali’s southern regions,” states the State Department advisory.

Mali has faced increasing instability in recent years, with terrorist groups and armed militias controlling significant portions of the country. The situation has prompted many Malians to flee, though migration routes typically lead to neighboring African countries or across the Mediterranean to Europe, not across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. This unusual trajectory has investigators considering multiple scenarios, including the possibility that the vessel may have drifted significantly after its occupants perished.

Ongoing Forensic Work Critical to Case

Forensic examination of the remains and the vessel itself will be crucial in determining the timeline and circumstances of this tragedy. Authorities have not yet disclosed any preliminary findings regarding cause of death or how long the individuals may have been deceased. The advanced state of decomposition suggests the vessel may have been adrift for a considerable period before washing ashore on Canouan Island.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to provide closure to the families of the deceased while also seeking to understand the broader implications of this incident. The case highlights the desperate measures some may take to escape dangerous conditions, as well as the perils of unauthorized maritime migration. The RSVGPF has promised to keep the public informed as new information becomes available while respecting the dignity of the deceased and their families during this process.