Web Desk
At least five migrants have drowned after their wooden boat capsized off Greece’s southern island of Gavdos on Friday night, the Greek coastguard said on Saturday.
Among those rescued, 39 men — the majority of whom are believed to be from Pakistan — have been saved by cargo vessels operating in the area. They have since been transferred to the island of Crete.
Witnesses reported that many others remain missing, and search efforts continue. Greek authorities have been conducting a large-scale rescue operation, involving coastguard boats, merchant vessels, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft. However, the exact number of those still unaccounted for has not been confirmed.
Ongoing Search and Separate Rescues
In separate incidents on Saturday, additional migrant boats were rescued in the surrounding waters. A Malta-flagged cargo vessel rescued 47 people some 40 nautical miles from Gavdos, while a tanker saved another 88 migrants about 28 nautical miles from the island.
According to initial information, coastguard officials believe the boats left together from Libya, a common departure point for migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing.
Interior Minister takes notice of migrant boat tragedy
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of the tragic boat capsizing incident near Greece’s southern island, which involved several illegal migrants attempting to reach Europe, including some from Pakistan.
Minister Naqvi, expressing his concern over the incident, directed that a thorough investigation be conducted. Following his orders, an inquiry committee has been formed under the leadership of Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Rafat Mukhtar Raja.
