A chilling discovery was made off Brazil’s northeastern coast on Saturday, April 13, 2024, when fishermen stumbled upon a small boat carrying severely decomposed bodies.
The small vessel was found adrift approximately 185 miles from Belém, the capital of the state of Pará, near the coast of Bragança. The 39-foot long canoe-shaped boat, painted white and blue, bears a resemblance to the Mauritanian fishing pirogues often used by West African migrants and refugees aiming for Spain’s Canary Islands, suggesting that their intended destination was likely not Brazil.
The Brazilian Federal Public Ministry quickly started investigations to determine the boat’s origin and the identities of the deceased. A representative from the ministry stated, “Due to the decomposition of the remains, it’s unknown how many died on the boat,” highlighting the challenges that lay ahead in the investigation. The number of raincoats found aboard the vessel led officials to estimate that there were at least 25 individuals onboard initially.
Forensic teams are now working to analyze the remains and any personal belongings that may offer clues to the victims’ identities or origins. According to a police statement, items and documents found near the deceased suggest they were migrants from Mauritania and Mali, although there could be victims of other nationalities as well. João Mendes, the local police chief, 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 off the coast of Brazil is known for its dangers and is often navigated by migrants seeking safer lands. Past incidents have shown the perils of such journeys, including the possibility of boats being swept off course by powerful Atlantic winds and currents. African migrants from Mali and Mauritania have previously used this route with the intent to reach the Canary Islands, only to miss their target destination.
This is not an isolated incident; similar tragic discoveries were made in this region of the Atlantic in 2021. At least seven boats carrying deceased individuals were found along the coasts of Brazil and the Eastern Caribbean. These incidents involved migrants who had drifted across the ocean, with many succumbing to dehydration, malnutrition, or jumping overboard in desperation.
As part of their investigation, authorities are collaborating with international agencies to ascertain if the migrants were aiming for the Canary Islands, a common destination for such perilous journeys, only to be diverted to Brazil.
The Brazilian Federal Police’s ongoing investigation is being closely watched by the local community and international observers. These distressing discoveries underscore the continuing migrant crisis and the dangerous nature of the journeys many undertake in pursuit of a better life.
