Two Pakistanis dead, 23 rescued as migrants boat sinks in Turkey: FO

Photo: AFP

Two Pakistani nationals lost their lives on Thursday when a boat carrying migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan sank in eastern Turkey’s Lake Van, the governor’s office in Bitlis province said.

The Foreign Office in Pakistan on Friday confirmed the news in a press release issued to the media. According to the FO, the boat that capsized on Thursday was carrying 71 migrants, 25 of whom were Pakistani.

"We have learnt with deep sorrow about the tragic incident of a boat capsizing in Lake Van, Bitlis Province in the east of Turkey, which carried nationals of various countries including Pakistan," the FO said.

"Turkish authorities carried out the search and rescue operation in the aftermath of the accident. Unfortunately, 2 Pakistani nationals lost their lives,' it said.

"Other 23 Pakistani nationals present on the boat have been rescued and are with the local Turkish authorities. Those in need of medical attention are being treated in local hospitals" the FO added.

'In touch with Turkish authorities'

The boat sank after capsizing as it approached Adilcevaz district in Bitlis, which is on the northern shores of Lake Van, Turkish officials said in a statement. 

The accident happened at around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT).

The lake is near the border with Iran, from where migrants regularly cross into Turkey, heading west toward Europe. It was not clear why the migrants were on the boat in Lake Van, which is completely within Turkey’s borders.

In the statement made on Friday, the FO said that the embassy in Turkey was in contact with the local authorities. 

"Our Embassy in Turkey and Consulate General in Istanbul are in contact with the local Turkish authorities to seek further information and provide all possible assistance to the Pakistani nationals involved," it said.

"The families of the deceased will be notified upon confirmation of their identities," the foreign office said. 

The FO added that all possible assistance would be extended to the bereaved families for repatriation of the remains of their loved ones.