Six Pakistanis Confirmed Dead in Greek Boat Tragedy, 47 Rescued

Athens:The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the tragic deaths of six Pakistanis in the recent boat disaster off the coast of Greece. A total of 83 Pakistanis were aboard the ill-fated boat, which was carrying migrants across the Mediterranean Sea.

According to *Aaj News*, the victims of the incident, who spoke from a refugee camp in Greece, revealed that they hailed from various districts of Punjab, including Gujrat, Sialkot, and Kasur. They shared that they had departed on the 10th of the month, boarded the boat on the 11th, and had traveled to Libya from Pakistan. The group explained that they endured severe hardships in Libya for about one to two months before attempting the dangerous sea journey.

The survivors recounted that their voyage lasted three days, during which the boat’s engine malfunctioned and the communication system failed. After the accident, a cargo ship came to their rescue. The victims reported that they lost all their belongings, including clothes, shoes, and mobile phones, and are currently staying in a refugee camp in Greece.

Two days ago, the Greek Coast Guard launched a search operation following the sinking of a wooden boat carrying refugees and migrants near the Greek island of Gavdos in the Crete region. The incident, involving three boats capsizing, resulted in the deaths of five migrants, while 40 others went missing. The Greek authorities have since rescued 39 individuals, the majority of whom are Pakistani nationals.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that the Greek authorities had identified six Pakistani nationals among the dead. On Saturday, five individuals were recovered lifeless, while one person was found in critical condition and was hospitalized.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that 47 Pakistanis have been rescued, though the number of missing persons remains uncertain. A helpline number, +30 6943850188, has been issued for the families of the victims to seek information.

The spokesperson further mentioned that Pakistan’s embassy in Athens is in close contact with Greek authorities to provide necessary assistance to the survivors and to facilitate the return of the deceased to Pakistan.