The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced on Sunday that 47 Pakistani nationals were rescued following a tragic boat capsizing incident near Greece. Additionally, one Pakistani migrant was confirmed to have lost their life in the disaster.
While providing updates on the situation, MoFA acknowledged ongoing rescue operations and noted that the final number of casualties remains uncertain.
“At this stage, we cannot confirm the total number of Pakistani nationals who may be deceased or missing,” the ministry stated.
According to the Greek Coast Guard, the incident occurred off the southern Greek island of Gavdos, where a wooden vessel carrying migrants overturned. As of Saturday, at least five people were reported dead, and several others were unaccounted for as search efforts continued.
MoFA confirmed that the Pakistani Embassy in Athens is actively coordinating with the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Coast Guard of Chania, who are leading the rescue and recovery mission.
“Embassy representatives have traveled to Crete to assist the rescued Pakistanis and provide any required support,” the ministry added.
To aid in managing the situation, MoFA’s Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated. Pakistani nationals in Greece, as well as their families, are encouraged to reach out to the CMU for assistance by calling 051-9207887 or emailing [email protected].
Families of the missing individuals can also contact the Pakistani Embassy in Greece for updates or to provide relevant information at +30-6943850188.
The CMU will oversee the ongoing rescue operations, facilitate the identification process for affected individuals, and support families of the deceased in accessing their loved ones for identification purposes.
Following directives from the Prime Minister, the Pakistani Embassy has formally communicated with all relevant Greek authorities regarding the matter.
Earlier, Reuters reported that 39 men, most of whom were Pakistani nationals, were rescued by cargo vessels operating in the vicinity. These individuals were transported to the island of Crete. However, the exact number of missing persons has yet to be determined.
Greek authorities have deployed coastguard vessels, merchant ships, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft to scour the area after being alerted to the incident on Friday night.
This devastating event has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to combat human smuggling and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by criminal networks.
The only task FO can do best is announce deaths.