A tragic incident unfolded near Madrid as a migrant boat capsized, leading to the deaths of 50 individuals including 44 Pakistani nationals. This heartbreaking event highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by migrants during perilous journeys.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated boat was travelling from Mauritania to Spain when it sank. Moroccan authorities have confirmed that 36 passengers were rescued. The boat carried a total of 86 migrants including 66 Pakistani nationals. Among the 44 Pakistanis who lost their lives, 12 were young men from Gujarat, whose families revealed that they had left for Europe four months ago in search of a better future.
Shocking Revelations
According to sources, foreign agents demanded additional payments from other agents midway through the sea. When the payments were not received, the boat was left stranded in the ocean for eight days. Many migrants, including several Pakistanis, tragically died due to hunger and thirst during this period.
Previous Incidents Highlighting Migrant Risks
This tragic event is part of a broader pattern of dangerous journeys undertaken by migrants. Earlier this month, two migrant boats sank off the coast of Tunisia near the city of Sfax, resulting in 27 deaths, including women and children. Authorities rescued 83 individuals, while 15 injured were hospitalized. The Tunisian National Guard also reported recovering 30 bodies from two separate incidents last month.
Such incidents underscore the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross seas illegally in search of better opportunities often falling victim to exploitation by human smugglers.