The Tobago Emergency Management Agency, TEMA, has confirmed that not six, not 13, but 15 bodies were found on a boat off the coast of Belle Garden this morning.

TEMA said four of the bodies have been taken to the Scarborough Mortuary, while another eleven are yet to be removed.

Initial reports suggested there were six bodies, believed at the time to be Venezuelan nationals. TEMA’s lates report, however, said the bodies, which were in a state of advanced decomposition, are believed to be males of African descent.

“At this time, there is uncertainty of causes of death since investigations are still ongoing. Please note that the retrieval of bodies were done adhering to ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES,” TEMA said in an update on Friday afternoon. 

 The area where the bodies were found has been blocked off until until further notice, as an investigation is ongoing.