Forensic teams in the Dominican Republic are working to identify the remains of 14 West African individuals found aboard a drifting boat near the country’s northern coastline. The boat, discovered 10 nautical miles off Rio San Juan, carried decomposed bodies of people believed to be of Senegalese and Mauritanian origin, including at least one minor, according to reports from state media RTVD.
The tragic discovery has prompted an extensive investigation by local authorities. Images published in the media show several battered national identification cards found on the vessel, along with 29 cell phones. The Dominican Navy, in a statement, said they are collaborating with the public prosecutors’ office to determine the circumstances surrounding this maritime tragedy, including the boat’s origin and the cause of death of those on board.
In addition to the human remains, authorities found a backpack containing 12 packages of a substance presumed to be either cocaine or heroin, raising further questions about the nature of the voyage and the possible involvement of criminal activity.
The vessel’s make and origin remain unknown, but the incident highlights the perilous nature of maritime routes in the Atlantic Ocean off the West African coast. This area is notorious for its strong westerly currents and winds, which can easily drive vessels far off course, often leading to tragic outcomes.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to piece together the events that led to this grim discovery, aiming to bring clarity and, if possible, accountability for the lives lost in this maritime disaster.
Melissa Enoch
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