Authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands are investigating the circumstances that brought a vessel with the remains of 20 people drifting past their shores.
According to a June 25 post on the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force Facebook, human remains from 20 persons were discovered on a vessel on June 24. An Associated Press report said the boat was found drifting about a mile from Grand Turk, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, and that two children were among the deceased.
“Work is now underway to establish their identity, the cause of death and the circumstances that led them to be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands waters,” police said June 25.
Although there is not yet an explanation for the deaths, authorities said there is no indication of foul play. Investigators are “keeping an open mind,” about how the passengers perished.
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Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said that authorities believe the boat did not originate from the Turks and Caicos Islands and that the islands were not its intended destination.
“My investigators are working to establish their identities and how they met their death. This work will take some time to complete,” said Botting. “Whatever the circumstances, this is a tragic situation where many people have lost their lives, and the thoughts and prayers of the Force go out to those families who have lost a loved one. We will do all we can to identify them and contact their families.”
Other agencies such as the Turks and Caicos Island Ministry of Health assisted in recovery of the bodies, he added.
“This incident was a human tragedy and a very distressing scene. However, my officers have acted with professionalism, humanity and care in the very upsetting work they did yesterday to recover those who have died,” Botting said. “I thank them for a job well done for the humanity and professionalism they have shown.”
According to the Associated Press, Haitians often flee to the Turks and Caicos and the islands have been used as transshipment point by human traffickers. For example, Srikajamukam Chelliah of Sri Lanka pleaded guilty to human trafficking charges before a Turks and Caicos judge last June and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.
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This January, The U.S. Coast Guard suspended a search for an overdue boat that was headed to Florida from the Bahamas with 20 people aboard after the authorities said they had exhausted their efforts to find it, according to the New York Times. That boat was a blue and white Mako Cuddy Cabin headed to Lake Worth Beach, Fla., said the report.
Authorities have not announced any connection between that vessel and the one found near the Turks and Caicos Islands. A photo of the boat found last week was published in the Turks and Caicos Sun.
Audacy has reached out to the Turks and Caicos Islands press office for updates and further details.