Greece boat tragedy: Bodies of four more Pakistanis recovered

ISLAMABAD: Four more bodies of Pakistani nationals have been recovered from the recent boat accident in Greece, raising the total number of Pakistani fatalities to nine, according to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Three of the deceased have been identified as Shabbir, Zain Ali, and Zeeshan from Narowal, while the fourth, Owais Ali, was from Sialkot.

The bodies were found near the Greek island of Gavdos and have been transferred to a hospital in Athens. The Pakistani Embassy is arranging to repatriate the remains to Pakistan.

FIA officials estimate it may take another week to bring the bodies back to the country.

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In mid-December, a boat carrying over 84 migrants, including Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Sudanese nationals, more than twice its capacity, capsized in open waters near Greece.

The tragedy resulted in five confirmed deaths, while 47 individuals were rescued. However, the fate of around 40 Pakistanis remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the repatriation of five Pakistani victims from the tragic boat accident has started.

The bodies are being brought back to Pakistan in stages.

The transportation process involves moving the remains from Athens Airport in Greece to Doha, Qatar, before they are flown to Pakistan. Upon arrival, the bodies are handed over to their families for burial in their respective hometowns.