Boat going from Mauritius to Spain capsizes near Morocco, more than 40 Pakistani citizens killed

New Delhi: A boat carrying 80 migrants trying to reach Spain capsized off Morocco, killing more than 40 Pakistanis. A day earlier, Moroccan authorities had rescued 36 people from a boat that had left Mauritania on January 2 carrying 86 migrants. 66 Pakistanis were also included in these migrants. Walking Borders Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Helena Maleno said on social media platform 'X' that 44 of those who drowned were from Pakistan.

Pakistan issued statement

Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement on the incident and said that its embassy in Morocco is in constant touch with local authorities to assist in rescue operations. Additionally, a team from the Pakistani Embassy in Morocco has been sent to Dakhla to help Pakistani citizens and provide necessary assistance.

Boat capsized near Dakhla port

Pakistan Foreign Office said, “Our Embassy in Rabat (Morocco) has informed us that a boat carrying 80 passengers, including Pakistani nationals, from Mauritania has capsized near Dakhla port. Several Pakistani nationals and others who survived the accident have been kept in a camp near Dakhla. We are providing help soon.

Pak PM expressed grief

PM Sharif wrote on Twitter, “Extremely disturbing news has come of a boat capsizing off the coast of Morocco. There were more than 80 passengers on this boat, including many Pakistanis. This is a shock for me and the entire country,” he said. “I have appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist local communities in Morocco to trace the missing, rescue survivors and bring back the bodies of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” he said. I have also instructed to take strict action against human smugglers and agents who trap innocent citizens in Pakistan.”