14 bodies found on boat

In a tragic discovery, authorities in the Dominican Republic are working to identify the remains of 14 individuals of Senegalese and Mauritanian origin found aboard an abandoned boat drifting 10 nautical miles off the northern coast. Forensic teams are analyzing the decomposed bodies, which include at least one minor, along with 29 cell phones and a backpack containing 12 packages of a substance believed to be cocaine or heroin. The Dominican Navy is collaborating with the Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine the circumstances of the deaths and the boat's origin, as this route is known for its perilous conditions that often lead to migrant tragedies. The incident raises concerns about illegal maritime migrations from West Africa to the Caribbean, with reports indicating such routes can be deadly due to dehydration and malnutrition. Last year's Associated Press investigation revealed similar incidents involving abandoned boats carrying deceased migrants in the region. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and accountability regarding this maritime disaster.