Seven Major Boat Disasters Recorded Since June 2023
At least 335 Pakistani citizens have died while attempting to reach Europe through illegal migration routes during the past four years. The figure was compiled by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency and reflects the growing human cost of organised migrant smuggling.
FIA records identify seven major boat disasters involving Pakistani migrants since June 2023. Many victims travelled through Libya, Morocco and other transit countries before attempting dangerous sea crossings towards Greece, Italy or Spain.
The deadliest disaster occurred near Greece in June 2023. According to the latest FIA data, the vessel carried 226 Pakistani migrants. Only 19 survived, while 207 were reported dead.
Earlier reporting on the same disaster contained varying figures because hundreds of passengers remained missing and only a limited number of bodies were recovered. International reports said the overcrowded vessel was carrying migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt and other countries when it sank near the Greek coast.
The scale of the tragedy shocked families across Pakistan. Many relatives waited months for information about missing passengers. Some victims were never formally identified because their bodies were not recovered.
Greece, Morocco and Libya Routes Claim More Lives
Another deadly incident occurred in December 2024 when a boat carrying 69 Pakistani citizens attempted to reach Greece. FIA records show that 25 passengers died, while 44 were rescued.
In January 2025, another vessel carrying 70 Pakistani migrants capsized near Morocco. The incident formed part of a wider pattern of migrants attempting to reach Spain through the dangerous Atlantic route.
Separate international reports documented another disaster involving Pakistani migrants travelling from the coast of Mauritania towards Spain’s Canary Islands. Survivors described overcrowding, hunger, violence and severe conditions during the journey. Dozens of Pakistanis died before the remaining passengers were rescued.
A further tragedy occurred near Libya in February 2025. Forty Pakistani migrants were identified as being involved in the incident. FIA data showed that 23 died, while 13 survived.
Three additional boat disasters connected to migration routes from Libya were recorded between April 2025 and April 2026. These included incidents in April 2025, October 2025 and April 2026. Together, the accidents affected 62 Pakistani migrants.
Overall, Libya-linked boat disasters covered by the FIA records killed 48 Pakistanis. Only 30 people were rescued from the reported incidents.
These journeys often begin with promises of legal employment, safe transport and quick entry into Europe. Migrants may pay large amounts to agents before being moved through several countries using forged documents or irregular border crossings.
Once outside Pakistan, many travellers are placed under the control of trafficking networks. They can face detention, physical abuse, extortion, hunger and abandonment. Some are eventually forced onto unsafe and overcrowded vessels that are not designed for long sea journeys.
Human Smuggling Networks Continue to Exploit Vulnerable Families
Economic pressure, unemployment and limited opportunities encourage many young Pakistanis to consider dangerous routes abroad. Smugglers exploit these conditions by presenting illegal migration as a reliable path towards employment and financial security.
Families frequently sell property, jewellery or other assets to pay trafficking agents. However, migrants may remain trapped for months in transit countries. Some are held for additional payments, while others are forced to contact relatives for ransom.
Human smuggling networks have also changed their methods in response to tighter controls on traditional Mediterranean routes. Some groups now use longer routes through West Africa before attempting to reach Spain. These routes can involve months of travel and extremely dangerous Atlantic crossings.
The FIA has intensified action against human smugglers and officials accused of assisting trafficking networks. More than 100 officials faced disciplinary action over alleged links to migrant smuggling following the 2023 Greece disaster.
The agency has also identified new transit routes used by organised networks. These include routes through Cyprus, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa. Smugglers often use legal visas for the first stage of travel before moving migrants towards Europe through unlawful channels.
Despite enforcement efforts, the latest figures show that illegal migration remains a serious national challenge. The loss of 335 lives demonstrates the need for stronger action against trafficking networks, greater public awareness and safer legal migration opportunities.
Authorities have repeatedly warned citizens against trusting unlicensed travel agents. Families are also being urged to verify overseas employment offers and use official immigration channels.
