In a devastating boat accident off the coast of Greece, data suggests that at least 209 Pakistanis were among the victims. The information was shared by a Pakistani investigative agency with
Reuters, based on reports from families who revealed that their relatives had boarded the ill-fated boat traveling from Libya to Greece and were now missing. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confirmed these figures and stated that an ongoing investigation is underway to verify the information.
As of now, the official death toll stands at 82, with 104 survivors, including 12 Pakistanis. The FIA, assigned by the Pakistan government to handle the investigations, is working diligently to shed light on the tragic incident.
This catastrophic event is considered one of the worst sea disasters in the region in recent years, with hundreds of people from various countries believed to have been on board the vessel. While Pakistan is yet to officially confirm the number of its citizens involved, the government has initiated a DNA sampling effort to assist Greece in identifying the deceased.
According to the data provided by the FIA, 181 individuals were from Pakistan, while 28 were from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. DNA samples have been collected from 201 families to aid in the identification process.
Eyewitness testimonies suggest that between 400 and 750 people were crammed onto the fishing boat, which was approximately 20 to 30 meters long. The vessel capsized and sank early on June 14, about 50 miles (80 km) off the southern coastal town of Pylos.
In response to the tragedy, the FIA has made 29 arrests of suspected human smugglers in Pakistan related to the case. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
As the world mourns this heartbreaking incident, efforts to prevent such disasters in the future and address the issue of illegal migration will undoubtedly be intensified. The global community stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time. Photo by Mstyslav Chernov/Unframe, Wikimedia commons.