At least 20 decomposing bodies have been found in a boat off the coast of northeastern Brazil. An investigation has been started in this incident.

Brazil's Federal Public Ministry announced on Sunday (April 14) that the boat was found off the coast of Bragança, northeast of Pará.

Local officials said at least 20 bodies were found on the boat, but it was not known how many died on the boat due to the decomposition of the remains.

The area where the boat was recovered from Parra is 185 miles from the state capital Belem.

Meanwhile, investigators said the victims are believed to be from the Caribbean, though not from Brazil.

And local authorities say there have been no recent reports of missing Brazilians.