Brazilian Police Investigate Boat Of African Migrant Corpses

Police move a boat that was carrying corpses to the Vila do Castelo port in Braganca, Brazil, early Monday, April 15, 2024. Security forces and forensics were dispatched to the area after fishermen re

In a tragic discovery off the coast of Brazil, fishermen in the state of Pará came across a boat adrift in the Atlantic Ocean containing the bodies of African migrants. The Brazilian Federal police confirmed that nine bodies were recovered from the vessel, with indications pointing to the victims originating from Mali and Mauritania in Africa.

The boat, a 39-foot long white and blue canoe-shaped vessel, bore similarities to Mauritanian fishing pirogues commonly used by West African migrants seeking refuge. This suggests that Brazil was likely not the intended destination for these migrants, as the treacherous Atlantic route from West Africa to the European Union's Canary Islands is known for its dangers.

This particular migration route is considered one of the most perilous globally, with boats often being swept off course by trade winds and currents, leading to prolonged drifts at sea. Dehydration, malnutrition, and desperate measures such as jumping overboard have tragically claimed the lives of many migrants attempting this journey.

Recent reports have highlighted a significant increase in migration from the northwest coast of Africa to Spain, prompting concerns among European authorities. Despite efforts such as a multi-million euro agreement between the EU and Mauritania, departures continue to originate predominantly from West African nations.

The boat resembled Mauritanian fishing vessels used by West African migrants.

Fishermen found a boat with African migrant bodies off Brazil's coast.

The treacherous Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is perilous.

Dehydration, malnutrition, and desperate measures often lead to migrant deaths at sea.

While over 13,000 migrants have successfully reached the Canary Islands in 2024, hundreds more remain missing, adding to the humanitarian crisis. Families in Mauritania have formed a 'national commission' dedicated to locating missing migrants, anxiously awaiting updates on incidents such as the boat discovered in Brazil.

The Brazilian federal police are currently engaged in the challenging task of identifying the deceased individuals and determining the cause of death, complicated by the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants seeking better lives through dangerous sea voyages.

For more updates on global migration issues, follow AP's coverage at AP Migration Hub.