Bodies Beached on Canouan Awaiting Identification

The wooden boat and 11 bodies that washed ashore in Little Bay, Cherry Hill, on the island of Canouan last Monday, May 26, 2025, may have originated from the Republic of Mali, in West Africa.

That’s a theory that local law enforcement are working with as they also reach out to their regional and international counterparts.

On Monday, May 26, 2025 the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), in a press release, said investigators were looking into the discovery of the boat and its dead occupants, made between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Giving an update on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Head of the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department, Superintendent Junior Simmons, said that several passports recovered at the scene appear to be those of the Republic of Mali.

“At this stage, no official identification of the deceased has been confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing,” Spt Simmons said.

“The RSVGPF continues to work closely with regional and international partners to verify the origins of the vessel and the identities of the individuals on board.”

Providing the dimensions Spt Simmons said the vessel measures 45 feet in length, 12 feet in width and six feet in depth and was found grounded in the bay.

The 11 bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, he said, and some were not fully intact. They were transported to the mainland and are being kept at the mortuary in Kingstown, pending forensic and investigative procedures.

“This incident is deeply concerning, and we understand the public interest in the matter. We assure you that the RSVGPF is treating this investigation with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity,” Spt Simmons assured.

“We are committed to pursuing every lead and ensuring that all appropriate protocols are followed. We ask your patience and cooperation as this complex investigation unfolds.”

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