Minors among more than 80 Pakistanis in Greek boat tragedy, says envoy
Survivors reveal harrowing details, say ill-fated boat was neither fitted with engine nor had driver
- Ambassador says dozens of Pakistanis are still missing.Â
- Chances of survival of those missing are low: Qureshi.
- Survivors recall harrowing journey, unfortunate incident.
Revealing the details of the Greek boat tragedy, Ambassador to Greece Aamar Aftab Qureshi has said that more than 80 Pakistanis, including minors, were aboard the unfortunate vessel which capsized near the European country on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference, Qureshi disclosed that the ill-fated boat carrying Pakistani citizens was overloaded and capsized after its hull cracked.
“The rescue operation is underway. [However] prospects of survival of those missing are low,” said the diplomat while underscoring the dozens of Pakistanis — who were travelling illegally from Libya on five boats — are still missing.
The envoy’s remarks come as authorities confirmed the death of five Pakistani citizens after at least five migrants drowned after their wooden boat capsized near Greek islands.
The Foreign Office said that its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) had been activated to assist Pakistanis in Greece.
Meanwhile, Pakistani nationals in Greece and their families are urged to contact the CMU via telephone at 051-9207887 or by email at [email protected].
Families of the missing Pakistanis can reach the Embassy of Pakistan in Greece to provide details at +30-6943850188.
Announcing that the embassy would bear the expenses for the transfer of bodies to Pakistan, Ambassador Qureshi expressed concern over children being sent abroad in such a manner.
Urging the parents not to send their children on such dangerous journeys, he called for those involved in this heinous business to be brought to justice.
It is pertinent to know that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, formed a committee led by the additional secretary of the Ministry of Interior to conduct an investigation into the incident.
The body has been tasked with investigating and submitting its findings within five days.
Furthermore, the security czar also directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch nationwide operations against human smuggling networks.
Survivors’ tales
Meanwhile, revealing harrowing details of the incident and perilous journey, Pakistani survivors of the boat incident — who are currently at a camp in Greece — have said that the vessel they were aboard neither had an engine nor a driver and even lacked communication equipment such as a walkie-talkie.
Shedding light on the incident, the survivors also said they departed from Libya on December 11 after staying there for more than a month.
The accident occurred on the night between Friday and Saturday when sea conditions were quite rough, the added.
Decrying that they don’t even have clothes and shoes, the survivors have requested the authorities to help and provide assistance to them.
