Tragic Discovery: 19 Deceased Found on Abandoned Vessel Off the Coast of St. Kitts and Nevis

Coast Guard Base Receives Report of Drifting Vessel

The St. Kitts – Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) Coast Guard Base received a report of a vessel drifting southwest of Nevis between the hours of 11AM and 12PM on January 29th, 2025. The SKNDF responded accordingly and towed the vessel to the Coast Guard base on St. Kitts, where it was dry-docked to facilitate further investigation.

Initial Findings and Identification Efforts

Upon arrival, Police officers observed a total of nineteen (19) deceased persons onboard. Initial assessments indicate that the vessel had been at sea for a lengthy period based on their advanced stages of decomposition. All occupants were determined to have been deceased before the vessel entered St. Kitts and Nevis territorial waters. Further, identification documents found aboard suggest that some deceased individuals originated from Mali, West Africa.

Ongoing Investigations

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is working diligently to confirm the identities and understand the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation.

Crime Scene Processed and Evidence Collected

The scene was processed by the Crime Scene Unit, and some items of evidential value were collected. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be appropriately provided as information becomes available. We urge anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact the nearest Police station soonest.

Condolences and Next Steps

The RSCNPF extends its deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy.

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FAQs

Q: How many deceased individuals were found on the vessel?

A: Nineteen (19) deceased individuals were found on the vessel.

Q: Where do the identification documents suggest the deceased individuals originated from?

A: The identification documents suggest that some deceased individuals originated from Mali, West Africa.

Q: What is the current status of the investigation?

A: The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is working diligently to confirm the identities and understand the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as information becomes available.