Brazilian police are investigating the grim discovery of a boat full of corpses off the coast of Pará, Brazil. The nine bodies found were likely African migrants from Mali and Mauritania. The boat, a canoe-shaped vessel similar to Mauritanian fishing pirogues frequently used by West African migrants, suggests that Brazil was not their intended destination. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the European Union territory is extremely dangerous, with many migrants dying of dehydration, malnutrition, or desperation during the journey.
An Associated Press investigation from last year revealed that at least seven boats from northwest Africa had been found in the Caribbean and Brazil, all carrying dead bodies. This year has seen a 500% spike in migration from the northwest coast of Africa to Spain, alarming European authorities. Despite a deal between the EU and Mauritania, most departures have originated from the West African nation, leading to thousands of migrants reaching the Canaries and hundreds more reported missing. Families in Mauritania have formed a “national commission” to search for missing migrants and are anxiously following news of the boat found in Brazil.
The Brazilian federal police are still working to identify the bodies found on the boat and determine the cause of death. The bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, making the task difficult. Throng of African migrants often face perilous journeys on the Atlantic, with boats drifting for months due to trade winds and currents. Many migrants die during the journey, either from lack of resources or in desperate attempts to escape their circumstances. The discovery of African migrants in Brazil highlights the risks and challenges faced by those seeking a better life through migration.
The migrants found dead on the boat are believed to be from Mali and Mauritania, based on documents and objects found near the bodies. It is possible that other nationalities are among the deceased as well. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the deaths of these individuals. The discovery of the boat underscores the dangers that migrants face when embarking on dangerous journeys in search of a better life.
The route from West Africa to the European Union is known to be one of the most perilous in the world, with many migrants facing hardships and risks along the way. The increased migration from the northwest coast of Africa to Spain has raised concerns among European authorities, who are working to address the issue. Despite efforts to curb migration through agreements with countries like Mauritania, many migrants continue to risk their lives in search of a better future. The tragic discovery of migrants from Mali and Mauritania in Brazil serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those attempting to reach safety and opportunity through migration.
