A devastating boat disaster off the coast of Morocco has claimed the lives of at least 50 migrants, including 44 Pakistanis, according to the migrant rights group Walking Borders. This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangerous journey many undertake in search of a better life, emphasizing the urgent need to combat human trafficking and improve migrant safety.
Deadly Voyage to Spain
The boat, carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, departed Mauritania on January 2, attempting to reach Spainās Canary Islands. After being lost at sea for several days, Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors near the Dakhla port on Wednesday. Tragically, the remaining passengers are feared dead.
Walking Borders, a Madrid-based migrant rights organization, raised the alarm six days before the rescue, urging authorities in multiple countries to intervene. The NGO Alarm Phone also contacted Spainās maritime rescue service but reported no immediate action or information.
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Migrants at Risk
This incident is part of a growing crisis along the Atlantic migration route, where thousands risk their lives every year to reach Europe. In 2024, Walking Borders documented 10,457 migrant deathsāan average of 30 per dayāmost occurring on this perilous journey.
The Canary Islands have become a key destination for migrants from West African countries like Mauritania and Senegal. However, the route remains fraught with danger, and the Atlantic Ocean continues to claim countless lives.
Helena Maleno, CEO of Walking Borders, described the ordeal as a 13-day journey of immense suffering and anguish. She confirmed that 44 of the deceased were Pakistani nationals.
Calls for Urgent Action
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and demands for action. Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, expressed sorrow over the loss of life and urged Europe to take decisive measures.
āThe Atlantic cannot continue to be the graveyard of Africa,ā Clavijo said, calling for coordinated efforts to prevent future disasters and address the humanitarian crisis.
Pakistanās Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the incident, which he described as a heartbreaking loss for Pakistan. He demanded a detailed report on the tragedy and ordered strict action against those involved in human trafficking.
In a statement, the Prime Minister extended condolences to the victimsā families and assured that negligence in addressing such crimes would not be tolerated. He emphasized the need for stringent measures to combat human trafficking.
Embassy Assists Survivors
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of several Pakistanis in the accident and stated that the Pakistani embassy in Morocco is actively assisting survivors. However the embassy has established contact with local authorities and reported that survivors are residing in a camp near Dakhla.
The Foreign Ministry activated its Crisis Management Unit and dispatched a team to provide support. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar directed relevant authorities to ensure all possible help for affected families.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for global efforts to tackle human trafficking and improve migrant safety. As more lives are lost at sea, the call for action becomes ever more pressing. In conclusion addressing the root causes of migration and ensuring safer alternatives are critical to ending these preventable tragedies.
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