11 Decomposing Bodies Found in Abandoned Boat off St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

11 decomposing bodies were found in an abandoned boat near St. Vincent and the Grenadines on May 26, 2025. The vessel carried passports indicating the deceased may be from Mali. Authorities are investigating, working with regional and international partners to identify the victims and determine how the boat ended up there. This tragedy echoes previous cases involving West African migrants attempting dangerous Atlantic crossings.

On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force discovered an abandoned boat containing 11 decomposing bodies near Little Bay, Cherry Hill, on the island of Canouan. The vessel, measuring 45 feet in length and 12 feet in width, bore no name and was found in an advanced state of decomposition [1].

The police force issued a statement revealing that the identities and circumstances surrounding the discovery are yet to be determined. They also mentioned that several passports from the Republic of Mali, a West African country, were found on the vessel. The Republic of Mali is known for its high travel advisory warnings due to risks of crime, terrorism, and kidnapping [2].

The 11 bodies were transported to the Kingstown mortuary in mainland St. Vincent for further forensic and investigative procedures. Authorities are collaborating with regional and international partners to identify the victims and determine the origin of the boat [3].

This incident echoes previous cases involving West African migrants attempting dangerous Atlantic crossings. In January, a similar discovery was made in St. Kitts and Nevis, where 19 bodies were found, some with identifications from Mali. In May 2021, 13 bodies were found near Trinidad and Tobago, also believed to be migrants from West Africa [1, 2].

The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that they are treating it with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

References:
[1] https://people.com/abandoned-boat-found-with-11-bodies-onboard-caribbean-island-11744177
[2] https://abc7.com/post/abandoned-boat-11-bodies-found-eastern-caribbean-island-st-vincent-grenadines-mali-passports/16577789/
[3] https://www.stvincenttimes.com/mali-migrant-vessel-st-vincent-caribbean/