Islamabad, December 17, 2024: The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed the deaths of four Pakistani nationals in a boat capsizing incident south of the Greek island of Crete on Saturday.
Earlier reports from foreign media indicated that a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized near the island of Gavdos, killing at least five individuals.
In an official statement, the FO spokesperson said, “We announce with deep sorrow that, according to the latest information shared by Greek authorities, four Pakistanis have been identified among those killed in the tragic boat capsizing south of Crete on Saturday.”
The spokesperson added that the Pakistani mission in Athens is coordinating with Greek authorities to assist survivors and arrange the repatriation of the deceased.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Athens has been in close contact with the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Chania Coast Guard, which are leading the search and rescue operations. Embassy officials have also reached Crete to support the rescued Pakistani nationals and provide necessary assistance.
Families of missing Pakistanis are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Pakistan for details at this number: +30-6943850188.
Earlier on December 14, foreign media reported the capsizing of the migrant boat, which resulted in the loss of several lives, including the four Pakistani nationals now confirmed by the FO.