44 Pakistanis among 50 missing in Spain boat tragedy

A tragic incident involving migrants attempting to reach Spain from West Africa may have claimed the lives of up to 50 people including 44 Pakistanis according to the migrant rights group Walking Borders.

A boat carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, sank off the coast of Spain after departing from Mauritania on January 2. Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors on Wednesday, who are now staying in a camp near Dakhla, Morocco. 

The boat had been missing for several days before humanitarian groups raised the alarm. Walking Borders, a non-governmental organization based in Spain, had informed authorities in multiple countries about the boat’s disappearance six days prior, but no rescue operations were launched until Wednesday.

This tragic incident is part of a broader crisis involving migrants attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands, a key destination for those fleeing West Africa. In 2024 alone, over 10000 migrants, including many Pakistanis, have died attempting the perilous journey. The Canary Islands have become a deadly hotspot along this migration route.

CEO of Walking Borders Helena Maleno revealed that 44 victims were from Pakistan, describing the ordeal as a 13-day journey filled with suffering and no rescue assistance. The tragedy has sparked outrage from both local and international officials. Fernando Clavijo, regional leader of the Canary Islands, has called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life, condemning the Atlantic as a “graveyard” for African migrants.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences for the 40 Pakistani victims and ordered an investigation into the incident. He also stressed that strict action would be taken against those involved in human trafficking. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths and stated that the Pakistani embassy is working with local authorities to assist the survivors.