By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no fewer than two Pakistani nationals were killed and 17 others rescued in a tragic incident of a shipwreck off the coast of southern Italy.
Spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the incident at Thursday’s weekly press briefing.
Baloch, who said two of those onboard are still missing, added: “Our Embassy in Rome remains actively engaged with the Italian authorities for the welfare of the survivors and transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased.”
Over 64 refugees were killed in the incident which took place on February 24. The ship reportedly carried more than 100 refugees, mainly from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, when it began experiencing difficulties.
It broke up after hitting beneath-the-surface rocks in rough weather off the Calabrian Coast.
Separately, seven Pakistani nationals were killed in a tragic incident of a shipwreck off the Libyan coast in mid-February, said the spokesperson.
“Embassy of Pakistan in Libya is facilitating the process of identification of the bodies and transportation of the mortal remains to Pakistan with the support of local authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross,” she added.
According to the International Organization for Migration(IOM),the boat, carrying around 80 people, reportedly departed from Qasr Alkayar on February 14 heading to Europe.
