Another Boat Carrying Dozens, Including Pakistanis, Capsizes in Libya

Islamabad: A boat carrying approximately 65 passengers, including Pakistani nationals, has capsized near the port of Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday.

The legal status of the passengers remains unclear, as Pakistani officials are actively working to gather further details. The Pakistan Embassy in Tripoli has dispatched a team to Zawiya Hospital to assist local authorities in identifying the deceased, according to an official statement.

The Foreign Office further stated that efforts are underway to ascertain the number of Pakistani nationals affected by the tragedy. In response, the ministry’s Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated to monitor the situation. Individuals seeking assistance or information have been advised to contact the CMU helpline at 051-9207887. Additionally, Pakistani officials in Tripoli can be reached via WhatsApp at 03052185882 and +218 91-6425435, or via cellphone at +218 913870577.

This incident adds to a growing list of migrant boat tragedies involving Pakistani nationals. In January, over 40 Pakistanis lost their lives when a boat carrying irregular migrants from Mauritania to Spain capsized. Moroccan authorities reported that 66 of the 86 passengers on board were Pakistani nationals, with only 36 people rescued.

A month earlier, more than 80 Pakistanis drowned in another maritime disaster when boats carrying migrants capsized near Greece on the night of December 13-14, 2024.

Authorities continue to investigate the latest tragedy while working to support affected families.