Italy migrant shipwreck: 59 people including 28 Pakistanis dead

An overloaded boat capsized in rough seas off southern Italy's Calabria region, killing 59 migrants. Of those who died, 28 were Pakistani nationals and 12 others are still missing. The ship left Turkey a few days ago and was carrying migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and other countries.

The Pakistani Embassy in Rome provides updates to the Pakistani community in the Calabria region and is in contact with Italian authorities, volunteers and maritime agencies. The embassy confirmed that rescuers have fished the bodies of 28 Pakistani citizens from the sea. The survivor, who was arrested on migrant-trafficking charges, was among those who managed to get ashore after the sinking.

Pakistani officials said they were in contact with Italian authorities following the incident Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that "we are closely monitoring reports of the possible presence of Pakistanis in a vessel that capsized off the coast of Italy." The wreckage of a wooden gulet, a Turkish sailing ship, was found on a large stretch of the coast. According to survivors, there were reportedly 140 to 150 people on the ship. It is not yet known how many children died in the incident.

The mayors of Crotone and Steccato di Cutro spoke of the devastating scene they witnessed. Among the dead were women and children. The mayor of Steccato di Cutro, Antonio Ceraso, described it as "a terrifying sight that stays with you for life". Crotone Mayor Vincenzo Voce confirmed the number of confirmed victims at 59 and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.