A chilling find occurred on the northeastern coast of Brazil on Saturday, April 13, 2024, as local fishermen stumbled upon a small boat filled with nine heavily decomposed bodies.
The boat was discovered floating around 185 miles away from the state capital of Belém, off the coast of Bragança in Pará. The 39-foot white and blue vessel, shaped like a canoe, had a striking resemblance to Mauritanian fishing boats. These boats are frequently used by migrants and refugees from West Africa attempting to reach the Canary Islands in Spain, suggesting these individuals may not have initially intended to end up in Brazil.
In response to the discovery, the Brazilian Federal Public Ministry promptly initiated investigations to determine the boat’s origin and identify the deceased. The ministry’s spokesperson commented, “Due to the decomposition of the remains, it’s unknown how many died on the boat.” The number of raincoats discovered on the boat suggests that there were at least 25 individuals initially on board, further complicating the investigation.
Forensic teams are currently working on analyzing the remains and any personal items found along with the bodies that could potentially provide insight into their identities or origins. According to a police statement, items and documents found near the bodies suggest they were migrants from Mauritania and Mali in Africa. They have not ruled out the possibility of other nationalities among the victims. Local police chief João Mendes stated: “We are doing everything we can to piece together where this boat came from and who these people were. It’s a detailed process given the condition of the bodies.”
The Atlantic Ocean route is known for its dangers and has been frequently used by migrants aiming to find safer lands. Past incidents have proven the risks that come with such journeys, including boats being carried off course by the strong winds and tides of the Atlantic. Migrants from Mali and Mauritania in Africa have previously used this route, hoping to reach the Canary Islands but end up off course. Authorities are collaborating with international agencies to determine if the migrants found in this incident were trying to reach the Canaries.
This is not the first tragic discovery of its kind in this region of the Atlantic. In 2021, at least seven boats carrying deceased migrants were found along the coasts of Brazil and the Eastern Caribbean. These incidents involved migrants who were carried across the ocean, with many dying from dehydration, malnutrition, or in some cases, jumping overboard in desperation.
As the Brazilian Federal Police continue their investigations, both local and international communities eagerly await answers. These discoveries underscore the ongoing migrant crisis and highlight the dangerous journeys many undertake in hopes of a better life.