Rome (Web Desk): At least 59 people, including 28 Pakistanis, were died after a boat carrying migrants and refugees sank off the Italian coastal city of Crotone in the southern region of Calabria.
We are closely following the reports about possible presence of Pakistanis in the vessel that has capsized off the coast of Italy. The Embassy of Pakistan in Rome is in the process of ascertaining facts from the Italian authorities.
— Spokesperson ???????? MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) February 26, 2023
The vessel had set sail from Turkey several days ago with migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and several other countries, and crashed on Sunday in stormy weather near Steccato di Cutro, a seaside resort on the eastern coast of Calabria.
According to provincial government official, eighty-one people survived, with 20 hospitalised including one person in intensive care. He said the vessel left Izmir in eastern Turkey three or four days ago, adding that survivors had said some 140 to 150 were on board.
One survivor was arrested on migrant trafficking charges, the Guardia di Finanza customs police said.
