A tragic boat accident off the coast of Oman has left 19 Pakistani migrants missing, with only one man managing to survive. The lone survivor, Hameedullah Khan, was rescued by a passing ship after the vessel caught fire.
According to reports, the boat was carrying 20 passengers when disaster struck on September 7. A gas cylinder reportedly exploded during a storm, engulfing the vessel in flames. Despite attempts to save those on board, only Hameedullah survived, while the remaining passengers are still unaccounted for.
The ill-fated journey began in Gwadar, with the group attempting to reach Oman through Iran. Migrants often risk such dangerous routes in search of better opportunities abroad, but these paths carry grave dangers, including unsafe boats, severe weather, and lack of emergency assistance.
The Pakistani embassy in Oman has confirmed the incident and is providing support to Hameedullah Khan. Officials are arranging for his safe repatriation back to Pakistan.
Efforts are also underway to collect more information about the missing individuals and extend support to their families in this time of grief.
This tragedy underscores the immense risks migrants face when attempting perilous sea crossings. Many such journeys end in catastrophe due to poor safety standards and unpredictable conditions at sea.
Authorities have once again urged people to avoid illegal sea travel and instead seek safe, legal pathways for migration. The loss of so many lives stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of unsafe migration attempts.
