The Trump administration has claimed responsibility for strikes against vessels in the Caribbean, alleging they targeted narcotics traffickers. However, families of missing fishermen, such as Rayshawn Charlery, express concerns that innocent fishermen may be among the victims. Charlery's father, Joseph "Nathy" William, disappeared on February 13, 2025, after going fishing with Ricky Joseph, who also has not been heard from since. On the same day, the US military released drone footage of a strike on a vessel, claiming it killed suspected traffickers. Charlery doubts this account, asserting that his father was not involved in drug smuggling.
Since September 2, 2025, the Trump administration has conducted numerous bombings against unidentified vessels, resulting in over 220 deaths labeled as "narcoterrorists". There has been no legal process to identify the victims, leading to concerns about extrajudicial killings, which violate international law. Families like Charlery's have received no answers from local authorities or the US government regarding the fate of their loved ones.
Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J Pierre acknowledged the lack of information from the US regarding the disappearances. The remains of the boat belonging to Joseph and William have been recovered, but experts warn that achieving justice may be difficult. The US government has not disclosed the identities of those killed in the strikes or provided evidence for the attacks.
President Trump has claimed that the strikes save lives by preventing drugs from reaching the US, but critics, including Amanda Klasing from Amnesty International, question the validity of these claims. Legal experts argue that the strikes lack justification under both domestic and international law, with some describing them as potential war crimes.
Legal challenges are currently underway regarding the bombing campaign, including cases involving families of missing fishermen. Despite the ongoing strikes, families continue to seek closure and answers about their loved ones, grappling with the uncertainty and grief caused by the lack of transparency from authorities.