14 Bodies Discovered on Drug-Laden Boat in Caribbean
- Authorities have found 14 bodies on an abandoned boat in the Caribbean, reportedly containing illegal drugs.
- An investigation is underway to establish the cause of death and identify the substances found, suspected to be cocaine or heroin.
- This tragic event highlights the ongoing issues of drug trafficking and violence in the region.
Forensic authorities in the Dominican Republic are working to identify the remains of at least 14 decomposed bodies found on an abandoned vessel approximately 10 nautical miles off the northern coast. The Dominican Republic Navy reported that the skeletons likely belong to individuals from Senegal and Mauritania, based on documentation discovered alongside the remains. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and analyzing 12 packages found on the boat, which may contain illicit drugs, possibly cocaine or heroin. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the European Union is notorious for its dangers, with many migrants facing severe risks during their journey. Boats that veer off course can be lost to the ocean's currents, leading to dire situations where passengers suffer from dehydration and malnutrition. Some have even resorted to jumping overboard in desperation. An Associated Press investigation highlighted that in 2021, several boats from northwest Africa were found in the Caribbean and Brazil, all carrying deceased individuals. The remains discovered in the Dominican Republic are currently being analyzed by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago. Meanwhile, the substance found on the vessel is undergoing testing by the country's anti-drug agency, as authorities seek to uncover the full story behind this tragic incident. The phenomenon of abandoned vessels, or "ghost ships," containing dead bodies is not isolated to the Dominican Republic. Similar discoveries have been reported globally, including a recent case off Brazil's coast and a narco-submarine incident in Colombia, underscoring the ongoing crisis of migration and drug trafficking in these perilous waters.