The Associated Press, 2024
Author(s): Staff
Two years ago, Renata Brito and Felipe Dana, journalists with The Associated Press, embarked on a journey to investigate the lives of over a dozen West African migrants who were found dead in a mysterious boat on Tobago’s shores.
They found these men had left Mauritania and were headed for Spain’s Canary Islands in search of better opportunities in Europe, but they never arrived. While it is not totally known what happened, survivors of similar trips recount running out of food, water and fuel within days, leaving travelers at the mercy of the sea. They had ended up on the other side of the Atlantic, and they were not the only ones. Brito’s and Dana’s two-year investigation spanned three continents and uncovered the stories of those brave enough to attempt the journey. The reporters talked to the families left behind.
Their reporting included piecing together forensic evidence and establishing trust with global sources. They identified most of the deceased, confirming one victim through a DNA test with the family. The man who was identified was given a proper Islamic funeral, and his family was given a chance at closure – something that likely would not have happened without Brito’s and Dana’s reporting. The Red Cross agreed to help families of the other men found dead with DNA tests to properly identify them.
The team’s work spurred additional stories, including a companion piece where Brito and Dana recounted the story of survivors who spent a harrowing 36 days at sea that ended with the travelers locked in a school in Cape Verde, a small island off the coast of West Africa, despite initial detainment by authorities. The reporters tracked down survivors in Senegal and convinced them to share their stories. Many feared the survivors or their families would be prosecuted for organizing or aiding in the voyage. The result is an engaging and heartbreaking multimedia package that sheds light on the perils faced by African migrants.
Brito’s and Dana’s work not only honors the deceased but also underscores the complex factors driving African migration and illegal activities in the region. It was published in multiple languages to maximize its impact.
Article by: Abbi Ross