Tragedy Strikes Again: Pakistani Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Greece, Leaving One Dead and Many Missing
In a devastating incident, a wooden boat carrying Pakistani migrants capsized off the southern Greek island of Gavdos, resulting in the loss of at least one life and leaving many more missing. The tragic event occurred on Friday night, and rescue operations are still underway.
According to the Greek coastguard, at least five migrants drowned in the incident, while 47 Pakistanis were rescued and transferred to the island of Crete. The coastguard has confirmed that search operations are ongoing, with coastguard boats, merchant vessels, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft scouring the area.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed that one Pakistani citizen was among the dead, and 47 others were rescued. The MoFA has identified the rescued Pakistanis and will release their names shortly. The Embassy of Pakistan in Athens is in contact with the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Coast Guard of Chania to facilitate the search and rescue operation.
Government Response
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, terming human trafficking a “heinous act” that results in the loss of loved ones. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed regret over the incident, directing that all necessary steps be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. He has also ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the Interior Minister to submit a report as soon as possible.
The government has assured that it will make all efforts to bring the rescued Pakistanis back home safely and take strict action against those involved in human trafficking.
Rise in Migrant Boat Incidents
Greece has been a favored gateway to the European Union for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, incidents with migrant boats and shipwrecks off Crete and Gavdos have increased over the past year. In June 2023, hundreds of migrants drowned when an overcrowded vessel capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos.
In recent months, there have been several incidents involving Pakistani migrants, including a boat sinking off western Libya in April, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Pakistanis. In February, a wooden sailing boat carrying migrants crashed against rocks on the southern Italian coast, killing 59 people, including Pakistanis.
Contact Information
The Embassy of Pakistan in Athens has provided contact information for families of missing Pakistanis to share details: (+30-6943850188). The MoFA has also activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to facilitate Pakistanis in Greece, and can be contacted at (051-9207887) or (cmu1@mofa.gov.pk).
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