By: Zixian Huang

On June 8, migrants and refugees from across Asia boarded a “safe” trawler that later capsized while crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

All that were on the boat hoped that traveling to Europe would earn them a better lifestyle, or at least a job. However, the fee to board the boat was said to be $4,500 per person- awfully expensive for a trip from Libyan port in the city of Tobruk to Italy. Still, there were still an estimated number of 750 migrants in the boat.

Among those on the boat was Matloob Hussein, a middle aged man who worked in Greece. Unfortunately, his Greek residency renewal was rejected, forcing him to leave a job that helped feed 20 extended family members. Because of the ongoing economic crisis, and with inflation at a record 38%, Hussein’s family needed the money more than ever. But, as Matloob’s brother Adiil Hussein says, “There is simply nothing for us in Pakistan.” There was no choice but to try and travel back to Europe and find a new job.

After everyone who was planning to board the boat arrived at Tobruk, one month passed with no news of any plans for onward passage.

When the small vessel was finally ready, the smugglers “loaded people on the boat like cattle,” Matloob said during his last call to Adiil on the trawler. They were also carrying guns and knives.

On June 14, the capsized blue fishing boat was finally noticed about 45 miles from the coast of Pylos. Of course, it was too late. The coast guard rescued 104 survivors, but the majority of people who were on the boat drowned. Many family members followed the wreck to Europe to search for their relatives, including Adiil, almost all going back with no avail.

Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/24/greek-migrant-boat-victims/