Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

13 Pakistani Victims of Mauritania-Morocco Boat Tragedy Identified, Repatriation Underway
The Foreign Office confirms the identities of 13 Pakistanis who tragically lost their lives in last month's Mauritania-Morocco boat disaster. Four bodies are being repatriated to Islamabad. Investigations reveal victims paid hefty sums to human traffickers for illegal routes to Spain.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-04
13 Pakistani Victims of Mauritania-Morocco Boat Tragedy Identified, Repatriation Underway

The Foreign Office (FO) on Tuesday confirmed the identities of 13 Pakistani nationals who perished in last month’s tragic Mauritania-Morocco boat disaster.

The boat, carrying 80 passengers, capsized near Morocco on January 16, claiming the lives of over 40 Pakistanis, according to reports. Migrant rights group Walking Borders estimated that up to 50 migrants may have drowned while attempting the perilous crossing from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands.

Repatriation of Victims
The FO statement revealed that the mortal remains of four Pakistani nationals — Hamid Shabbir, Muhammad Arslan Khan, Qaisar Iqbal, and Sajjad Ali — are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on February 5 via a Saudi Airlines flight.

The repatriation process for survivors has been completed, with the last batch of eight survivors returning to Islamabad on Saturday.

Human Trafficking Network Unveiled
Initial investigations have uncovered a disturbing human trafficking network responsible for this tragedy. The Pakistani nationals reportedly paid between Rs1.6 million and Rs2.5 million each to human agents, believing they were booking air trips to Spain.

However, the agents deceived them, sending them to Ethiopia and later to Senegal on visit visas. From Senegal, the victims were forced to embark on a perilous sea journey to Spain. Tragically, many lost their lives during this treacherous voyage.

Survivors recounted harrowing tales of how the traffickers extorted additional money from them mid-journey.

The investigation further revealed that most of the travel agents involved in this illegal operation hail from Wazirabad, Lahore, Gujarat, and Sialkot. Authorities are now pursuing legal action against these traffickers to prevent such tragedies in the future.

A Call for Justice
The FO expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reiterated its commitment to assisting the families of the victims. The government has urged Pakistani citizens to avoid illegal migration routes and remain vigilant against human traffickers who exploit their desperation.
Tagged:

HumanTrafficking

PakistanNews

TragedyAtSea
Share News: