At least 20 decomposing corpses on boat found adrift in Brazil
Authorities will proceed with the removal and identification of the bodies.
The boat found adrift this Saturday by fishermen in an isolated region in the extreme north of the Brazilian state of Pará has at least 20 bodies already in an advanced state of decomposition.
This Sunday, vessels from the firefighters of the city of Bragança, the Navy and the Federal Police tried to tow the vessel to the port of Vila do Castelo, but faced difficulties due to bad weather.
The number of at least 20 bodies is a provisional estimate, as it was given by the first fishermen to reach the vessel. The number was however confirmed by the Federal Public Ministry of Pará (MPF-PA), which opened two investigations, one criminal and the other civil, but also on a provisional basis. There is a possibility that there are other victims inside the vessel.
The vessel with the bodies was seen in an isolated region of Baía de Maiaú, off Canelas Island, a remote area that connects to the Atlantic Ocean and is little frequented by vessels due to the distance and strong sea currents.
The fishermen considered the vessel to be large and different from those usually sailing in the region and decided to approach it.
The vessel should arrive at the port of Vila do Castelo this Sunday for experts to carry out the first investigations and proceed with the removal of the bodies.
Experts, agents from the Federal Police of Bragança and the corporation’s headquarters in Brasília, were sent to Vila do Castelo to reinforce the local teams. Coroners and professionals specialized in rescuing victims of major disasters will also be on the ground.
Data on the origin of the vessel and the two dozen people found dead are not yet known, especially because communications in the region are extremely difficult. The teams on site are unable to pass information to Bragança or Vila do Castelo.
A Navy source put forward the possible scenario that all the bodies found were foreigners, taking into account that there are no records of disappearances at sea.