St. Kitts Probes Death of 19 Found in Drifting Boat

St. Kitts and Nevis authorities announced a Thursday investigation into the discovery of at least 19 bodies aboard a drifting vessel.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard responded to a report of a derelict boat approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday near Nevis. The partially submerged vessel contained significantly decomposed bodies. It was subsequently towed to St. Kitts for examination by police and medical professionals.

“The vessel, a fishing boat—unusual for this region—appears to have originated from outside the Caribbean,” Police Commissioner James Sutton told the Associated Press. “We are still determining the precise origin and the exact number of deceased.”

Sutton noted the advanced state of decomposition is hindering identification and a precise body count.

This incident marks an unprecedented event in the recent history of the twin-island nation.