Published 30January 2025
Buckie Got It
St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
POLICE INVESTIGATING DISCOVERY OF DECEASED INDIVIDUALS ON VESSEL
The St. Kitts – Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) Coast Guard Base received a report of a vessel drifting southwest of Nevis between the hours of 11AM and 12PM 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 their advanced stages of decomposition. All occupants were determined to have been deceased before the vessel entering 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 scene was processed by the Crime Scene Unit, 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.
