The bodies of nine migrants discovered aboard an African boat drifting off the coast of Brazil’s Amazon region were honored with a dignified burial ceremony in the state capital of Belem on Thursday.
Discovered by fishermen on April 13, the boat was found with bodies already in an advanced state of decomposition. Subsequent investigations revealed that the victims hailed from Mali and Mauritania, with the vessel having set sail from Mauritania after January 17.
Representatives from various organizations, including the U.N. Refugee Agency, the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration, along with Brazilian law enforcement and defense agencies, came together to organize a solemn burial ceremony.
In a poignant moment, amid a tropical rain, the coffins were lowered into graves as those in attendance observed a moment of respectful silence.
The boat, approximately 12 meters in length, was equipped with raincoats and mobile phones, hinting at a higher number of passengers than the nine bodies found. This suggests the possibility of additional nationalities among the deceased.
Resembling the fishing boats commonly used by migrants from West Africa, the vessel was found without essential navigation equipment, such as a motor or rudder.
An investigation by The Associated Press revealed similar instances of boats carrying deceased migrants found off the coasts of the Caribbean and Brazil.
As of now, the identities of the deceased remain unknown. However, authorities have arranged for their burial in a manner that allows for potential exhumation should families wish to repatriate the bodies.
Forensic examinations are being conducted by Brazil’s criminology institute in Brasilia, with cooperation from Interpol and foreign entities to facilitate identification efforts.
The spike in attempted crossings from Northwest Africa to the EU this year underscores the perilous nature of this migration route.
With thousands of migrants reaching the Canary Islands so far this year, families anxiously await news of their missing loved ones.
Bachirou Saw, who lost a nephew during a similar crossing, has been actively involved in raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration. His efforts, including creating a WhatsApp group and organizing search missions, reflect the collective anguish and determination of families affected by this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
