St. Kitts:--- Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) Coast Guard Base received a report of a vessel drifting southwest of Nevis between the hours of 11 AM and 12 PM 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.
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 its 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. The RSCNPF is working diligently to confirm their identities and to understand the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation.
The Crime Scene Unit processed the scene, 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.
The RSCNPF extends its deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy.
