DNA tests sought for two bodies found in SVG waters; Tobago fishermen missing since October

Two decomposed male bodies discovered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines waters have prompted the relatives of two missing Tobago fishermen to pursue DNA testing for identification.

David McLean of Lowlands and Kester Alexander, a Buccoo resident with three children, went missing on October 9 after departing Scarborough on a fishing expedition. Search efforts involving family members, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, and aerial reconnaissance across local waters produced no leads.

The investigation expanded to SVG following the discovery of remains within an eight-day period. On Tuesday, October 13, the St. Vincent Coast Guard recovered a male body in waters between Cane Garden Point and the northern reaches of Bequia. Forensic specialists obtained DNA material from bone marrow, though an autopsy could not establish a cause of death owing to advanced decomposition. Local police confirmed no matching missing person reports had been filed in the territory.

A second partially decomposed adult male body turned up on Stubbs Beach around 6:30 p.m. on October 21. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force initiated an inquiry and appealed for information from anyone with missing relatives or knowledge of the discovery, directing inquiries to Stubbs Police Station or the Criminal Investigations Department.

McLean's family has already begun coordinating with SVG authorities to provide DNA samples for comparison purposes. Alexander's relatives remain in a holding pattern pending confirmation of the second body's identity.