Stowaway From Africa Found Dead Aboard Ship In Philadelphia Area

A stowaway was found dead Monday on a cargo ship in Philadelphia that had just arrived from the Ivory Coast, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has confirmed.

The stowaway, an unidentified male, was discovered on Monday at about noon, according to Stephen Sapp, a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection.

“Stowing away on vessels is a very dangerous thing to do,” Sapp said. “Unfortunately, this is what can happen.”

Customs and Border Protection said that the boat arrived at the docks in south Philadelphia on Thursday, after a two week voyage that began on April 23.

Sapp said that the body was found in a cargo hold while the crew was unloading the ship.

The man was probably locked in the hold for the duration of the two week voyage, authorities believe.

“Without proper supplies, there is no way someone could survive,” Sapp said.

Sapp said the rest of the ship was searched and the documentation of all crew members was checked out.

The freighter, Sian Space C, was carrying a shipment of cocoa beans.

Stowaways still do sometimes occur, but are not nearly as common as they used to be, authorities say.

Enhanced safety measures in the post 9/11 era have improved security.

The cause of death is still being investigated, officials said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details as they become available.