Boat found with bodies and human remains linked to Mauritania, Africa
The fishing boat with 14 dead bodies and other human remains found drifting off the coast of Tobago last Friday, has been traced back to vessel stolen from Mauritania, Africa.
Confirmation came during a press conference held today, by senior police officials in Tobago.
During the press conference, head of the Tobago Police, ACP William Nurse, said while this country does not have any diplomatic links with Mauritania, investigations through interagency organisations—including INTERPOL and CARICOM—have provided invaluable leads into their investigations, which are ongoing.
According to ACP Nurse, pathologist Dr Eastlyn McDonald-Burris currently is conducting autopsies on the remains that were found. Police also believe that the boat is the same vessel spotted in other countries in the region earlier this year.
The ACP also said the area and vessel have been sanitized and covered in keeping with public health regulations. However, while persons in the community have asked that the boat be destroyed, ACP Nurse said the boat will be salvaged and handed over to the owner once that person has been identified.
FLASHBACK: A backhoe pulls the boat on which 15 bodies were found ashore at Back Bay, Belle Gardens, Tobago.
By Loyse VIncent