Brazil investigates the identity of some decomposed corpses found in a drifting boat

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Last Saturday, a group of Brazilian fishermen made a grim discovery off the coast of the State of Pará in northeast Brazil. While fishing, they stumbled upon a small boat containing several bodies in an advanced state of decomposition. The exact number of bodies is still unknown, but local witnesses suggest there may be up to 20 victims, according to reports from the Public Ministry.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive operation to retrieve the bodies, identify the deceased individuals, and determine the cause of death. Speculation suggests that the victims may be foreign nationals, potentially African or Haitian immigrants attempting to reach Brazil by sea, as no local fishermen have been reported missing in the area.

The rescue efforts have been challenging due to the remote and rugged coastal location where the boat was found. Low tide, sandbars, and the delicate condition of the vessel have complicated the towing process. It was only with the rising waters and assistance from a helicopter that the boat was successfully transported to the city of Bragança (Pará), arriving at dawn on Monday.

Forensic experts have yet to begin the task of identifying the bodies and examining the boat due to its deteriorated state. Time is of the essence, as decomposition progresses, making it more difficult for specialists to work effectively. The operation requires careful and precise navigation in shallow waters to avoid damaging the boat.

The elongated shape, white hull, and blue interior of the boat have led some experts to believe it may be a Mauritanian canoe. This discovery is reminiscent of a series of ghost ships discovered in Caribbean and Brazilian waters in 2021, carrying bodies believed to have set sail from the Atlantic coast of Africa, possibly en route to Spain.

The investigation into this tragic incident continues as authorities work to uncover the identities of the deceased and shed light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths. For more updates, follow El PAÍS América on Facebook and Twitter.