A tragic boat accident off the coast of Oman has left 19 Pakistani nationals missing, while only one individual has been rescued alive. The incident occurred on September 7 when a boat carrying 20 migrants was caught in a severe storm.
According to a preliminary investigation report by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the vessel caught fire after a gas cylinder exploded onboard. This forced all passengers to jump into the sea. Only one survivor, identified as Hameedullah Khan, was rescued by a passing ship. He is currently under the care of Omani authorities.
The Pakistani embassy in Oman is providing assistance to the survivor and making arrangements for his repatriation. Officials confirmed that Hameedullah Khan has identified 11 of the 19 missing passengers, while efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the remaining individuals.
Initial findings revealed that the ill-fated boat had departed from Gwadar and was attempting to reach Oman through Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FIA are still waiting for complete details from local authorities.
The Pakistani mission in Muscat remains in close contact with Omani police and immigration officials to gather further information about the missing migrants. Families of the victims are also being updated about the situation.
This incident comes at a time when Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on human smugglers involved in sending citizens abroad through illegal and unsafe routes. Officials have urged people to avoid such dangerous journeys, warning that those responsible for organizing such trips will face strict legal action.
The tragedy highlights the growing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross dangerous waters in search of better opportunities. Authorities stress that stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Oman will be crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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