A boat capsized off the southern coast of Crete Island in Greece on December 13. Four Pakistani nationals were confirmed dead, while several others are still missing.
Survivors of the accident have shared disturbing details of the incident. They revealed that the tragic event occurred late at night between Friday and Saturday. The sea conditions were extremely rough, making the situation more dangerous for those onboard.
Overcrowded Boat Led to Disaster
The survivors explained that the boat was overcrowded, with 84 people aboard. Many of the passengers were Pakistani nationals, and dozens of them drowned right before the eyes of the survivors. The survivors also stated that the boat was poorly maintained. They reported that it lacked a functioning engine, proper radio communication equipment, and a qualified driver.
No Escape from the Tragedy
After the boat capsized, a cargo ship came to their rescue. However, in the chaos, the survivors lost all their belongings, including clothes, shoes, and mobile phones. Now, they are left without proper clothing or footwear. The survivors are currently staying in a camp in Greece.
Journey from Pakistan to Libya
The survivors shared their painful journey before reaching Greece. They had traveled from Pakistan to Libya, where they spent one and a half to two months in difficult conditions. After enduring hardship in Libya, they boarded the boat on December 11, hoping to reach Europe.
Ambassador’s Statement on the Incident
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Greece, Aamir Aftab Qureshi, provided an update on the situation. He confirmed that several Pakistanis are still missing, and hopes of finding more survivors are low. The rescue operations continue, but the chances of survival are minimal.
Ambassador Qureshi assured that the embassy would cover the expenses to send the bodies of the deceased back to Pakistan.
Overcrowding Blamed for the Accident
Reports suggest that the five boats carrying Pakistani nationals had left Libya illegally. The boats were overcrowded, with more people aboard than they could safely accommodate. Many children were also on the boats, increasing the risks during the journey.
The overcrowding and lack of proper safety measures led to the tragic capsizing. The accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by people attempting to migrate illegally through dangerous routes.
Calls for Stronger Action
This tragic incident has renewed calls for greater action to address the issue of illegal migration and human trafficking. Activists and human rights organizations continue to demand stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals from being exploited by human traffickers.