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Tragedy at Sea: Over 40 Pakistanis Among 50 Migrants Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes Near Morocco
Heartbreaking: A boat carrying 80 passengers capsized near Morocco, with over 40 Pakistanis feared dead. Survivors recount 13 agonizing days at sea with no rescue. PM Shehbaz Sharif vows strict action against human trafficking.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-16
Tragedy at Sea: Over 40 Pakistanis Among 50 Migrants Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes Near Morocco

In a devastating incident, a boat carrying 80 passengers capsized near Morocco, with over 40 Pakistanis among those feared dead, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The vessel, which left Mauritania on January 2 with 86 migrants on board, endured 13 agonizing days at sea before succumbing to tragedy.

The migrant rights group Walking Borders reported that as many as 50 individuals drowned while attempting to cross from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands. Moroccan authorities have rescued 36 survivors, including several Pakistanis, who are now housed in a camp near Dakhla.

A press release from the FO stated that Pakistan's embassy in Rabat is actively coordinating with local authorities to assist survivors. A Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been established to provide support, with contact details shared for immediate assistance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar directed government agencies to ensure comprehensive aid for affected Pakistanis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing grief over the tragedy, ordered a detailed report on the incident and vowed stringent action against human trafficking networks.

“The Atlantic cannot continue to be the graveyard of Africa,” said Fernando Clavijo, regional leader of Spain’s Canary Islands, urging Europe to take decisive action to prevent further tragedies.

This disaster highlights the growing peril of migrant journeys. According to Walking Borders, 10,457 migrants lost their lives in 2024 attempting to reach Spain, many via the dangerous Atlantic route.

This tragedy follows a string of similar incidents, including the loss of over 80 Pakistanis in a boat capsize off Greece last month and other deadly accidents in Libya, Italy, and the Mediterranean in 2023. The Pakistani government has taken steps to combat human trafficking, with over 30 Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers dismissed for alleged collusion with smugglers.

As the world mourns this latest tragedy, the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of irregular migration and ensure safer pathways cannot be overstated.
Tagged:

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