Dozens of Pakistanis Still Missing in Greece Boat Tragedy, Hopes for Survivors Fade, Ambassador Confirms

Greece, December 17, 2024 – Dozens of Pakistani nationals remain missing after a boat tragedy off the coast of Greece, with the country’s ambassador confirming that hopes of finding survivors are dwindling. The boat, which was carrying a total of 84 people, including a majority of Pakistanis, sank after it collided with a cargo ship.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Greece, Aamir Aftab, confirmed the tragic news in a press conference, stating that the number of missing Pakistanis is still unclear but rescue operations continue. However, he expressed little hope of finding any more survivors. According to Aftab, the incident occurred due to overcrowding on the boat, which was carrying 80 Pakistanis among other nationalities.
Details of the Tragedy
The boat was reportedly carrying a mix of Pakistani, Egyptian, and Sudanese nationals, with the majority coming from Pakistan’s Punjab region, particularly from areas like Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Gujarat. The ill-fated vessel was overloaded, and a hole in its hull caused it to capsize.
The incident occurred while the boat was traveling from Libya, an illegal migration route often used by people fleeing economic hardships. The boat’s engine was reportedly malfunctioning, and after several days of rough seas, it collided with a cargo ship near Greece’s coast. The survivors, including two brothers from Gujarat, shared their harrowing experience, recounting the moment the boat capsized after the collision.
Efforts to Recover Victims
The Pakistani Embassy in Athens is coordinating with Greek authorities to assist the survivors and arrange for the return of the deceased to Pakistan. Four Pakistani victims have already been identified, and the embassy has pledged to cover the cost of repatriating their bodies to Pakistan.
However, it is feared that the number of fatalities could rise, as many passengers, including several minors, are still unaccounted for. Among the dead, one is confirmed to be from Sialkot.
Human Trafficking Behind the Disaster
In the aftermath of the tragedy, revelations have surfaced regarding the role of human traffickers. To evade detection by coast guards and surveillance systems, traffickers have started using smaller, less detectable vessels instead of larger ships. The boat in question was one of three that left Libya on December 11. While two of the boats completed the journey safely, the third capsized after the collision with the cargo ship.
The survivors have revealed that the majority of the passengers on the boat were between the ages of 15 and 40, with most being young adults between 25 and 30 years old. Among the passengers, there were also three children aged 15 to 16.
The tragedy highlights the growing danger faced by individuals attempting to illegally migrate across the Mediterranean in search of a better life, often at the hands of unscrupulous human traffickers.