ISLAMABAD – The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed death of twoPakistanis, amongseven migrants, died when a boat capsized in Lake Van of Turkey’s Bitlisprovince.
According to the press statement of FO, a total of 71 individuals ofvarious nationalities were present on the boat when it capsized, including25 from Pakistan. “Unfortunately, two Pakistani nationals lost their liveswhile 23 Pakistanis have been rescued,” it added.
It said that missions in Turkey are in touch with the local authorities toascertain the identity of the deceased individuals. “The families of thedeceased will be notified upon confirmation of their identities and allpossible assistance will be extended to the bereaved families forrepatriation of the remains of their loved ones,” it stated.
The FO statement further stated that 23 other Pakistani nationals werepresent on the boat. They have been rescued and are with the Turkishauthorities. Those in need of medical attention are being treated in localhospitals.
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The lake is near the border with Iran, from where migrants regularly crossinto Turkey, heading west toward Europe. It was not clear why the migrantswere on the boat in Lake Van, which is completely within Turkey’s borders.
Turkey hosts more than four million refugees, including some 3.6 millionSyrians who fled the conflict raging in their country since 2011.
