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At least 11 Bangladeshi migrants died after a boat carrying 42 people became stranded in the Mediterranean while they were attempting to reach Greece from Libya, according to survivors.
The migrants said they ran out of food and drinking water after a storm swept their supplies into the sea. Several people died in front of the survivors, who were later forced to throw the decomposing bodies overboard because of the smell.
The motorised boat left the coast of Tobruk, Libya, for Greece on the night of August 3. Of the 42 people on board, 38 were reportedly Bangladeshi.
Soon after departure, the boat was caught in a storm, causing its food and water supplies to wash away. The migrants continued their journey without adequate provisions.
After reaching waters near Greece, the boat’s engine suddenly broke down, leaving it stranded at sea. The vessel drifted for nine days before currents carried it towards the coast of Marsa Matruh in Egypt, where Egyptian security forces rescued the passengers.
Eighteen Bangladeshi nationals among those rescued have been admitted to Marsa Matruh General Hospital.
Abdul Karim, son of Abdul Hakim from Patharia village in Sunamganj’s Shantiganj upazila, said they had no food or water left when the engine failed.
“We watched nine Bangladeshis die from hunger and thirst. We had to throw their bodies into the sea. Two more later died,” he said.
He said prolonged exposure to seawater had caused wounds and decay on parts of their bodies, leaving a strong smell.
“We are now receiving treatment at Marsa Matruh hospital. The doctors are treating us and providing proper food. Please save us. We want to return home,” Karim said.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Egypt said it was maintaining regular contact with Dr Sharif, a physician at Marsa Matruh General Hospital, and Badran, an official at the local police station, regarding the injured Bangladeshis.
Local police told the embassy that 30 migrants had been rescued and taken to hospital. Eighteen were in poor physical condition and receiving ongoing treatment, while the others were kept in police custody after receiving initial medical care. Authorities have yet to confirm the nationalities of all those rescued.
The embassy said it was monitoring the condition of the injured Bangladeshis and their treatment. Once they recover, the embassy will work with Egyptian authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures and arrange their return to Bangladesh through travel permits as soon as possible.