Forensic teams in the Dominican Republic are racing to identify the remains of 14 individuals found on a boat that washed up near the country’s northern coastline.
The decomposed bodies, believed to be of Senegalese and Mauritanian origin, were discovered 10 nautical miles off Rio San Juan, with at least one minor among them.
Authorities found 29 cell phones and several battered national identification cards on board, but the vessel’s make and origin remain unknown.
A backpack containing suspected cocaine or heroin was also recovered.
The navy has launched an investigation with the public prosecutors’ office to determine the causes and origin of the maritime tragedy.
The discovery highlights the dangers of the Atlantic Ocean route off the West African coast, notorious for strong currents and winds that can drive vessels far off course.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the attempted journey of the 14 individuals.
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