Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis are conducting an investigation after the discovery of at least 19 bodies found drifting on a fishing vessel off the coast of Nevis. The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) responded to a report of the vessel around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, towing it to St. Kitts for further examination. CBS News reports that the vessel was partially submerged and contained decomposed human remains.

Police Commissioner James Sutton indicated that the vessel had likely originated from the West African coast, a region that has become a point of interest regarding illegal migration and trafficking. "It was a fishing vessel, which is not typically found in the Caribbean," Sutton explained, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding the case. With the advanced state of decomposition making identification challenging, authorities are probing the origins of the deceased, with some identification documents hinting that individuals were from Mali, West Africa.

This tragic event marks the first such discovery in recent memory for the twin-island nation, illustrating ongoing issues with sea migration within the region. Officers from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) are working diligently to determine the exact circumstances leading to this tragedy, and they have extended their condolences to the affected families and communities, emphasizing the need for compassion in this trying situation. As more details unfold, the investigation will continue to address the complexities of this incident. AP News and USA Today are following the story closely.