Pakistan to repatriate 22 survivors of Dakhla boat tragedy

Monday 27 January 2025 - 15:34

The Pakistani Foreign Office has announced the repatriation of 22 survivors of a boat capsize near Morocco’s Dakhla port. The operation is the result of extensive investigations and coordination with Moroccan authorities, with the repatriation set to begin today.

Four migrants, who had been stranded in Mauritania for months after paying traffickers to facilitate their journey to Europe, have already returned to Pakistan through Sialkot International Airport.

A high-level government team, led by Salman Chaudhry, Additional Secretary of Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, completed an investigation in Morocco. Under the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the team conducted interviews with 21 survivors in Dakhla, as well as held meetings with Pakistani embassy officials in Rabat and Moroccan authorities.

The Pakistani Embassy in Rabat has closely collaborated with Moroccan officials to manage the relief efforts and the intricate repatriation process. The majority of the repatriated individuals are expected to arrive in Lahore, though flight schedules are yet to be confirmed.

The vessel, which left Mauritania on January 2, was carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis. It capsized on January 15 off the Moroccan coast, and up to 50 migrants are feared to have drowned in this tragic incident. This boat disaster is part of the increasing number of fatalities involving people trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands from West Africa.

The Ministry’s Crisis Management Unit has been closely monitoring the situation, providing assistance to the survivors and maintaining communication with their families. Coordination with the Interior Ministry has ensured the completion of the identity verification process for those involved.

Reports have revealed the dangerous nature of the journey, with victims reportedly paying up to Rs4 million (about $14,285) each to traffickers. They traveled through Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mauritania before boarding the ill-fated boat.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on human traffickers linked to the tragedy. So far, six cases have been registered, and two suspects, including a woman, have been arrested. The authorities are also continuing to pursue additional suspects.

In addition, Moroccan authorities are working to identify the deceased, with plans to repatriate the bodies in the coming week.

This tragedy highlights the growing peril of migrant journeys to Spain's Canary Islands, with 2024 marked as the deadliest year on record, as reported by migrant rights group Walking Borders. Over 10,400 migrants lost their lives attempting to reach Spain by sea that year.