Equatorial Guinea Shipwreck Incident: Overview and Outcomes
On July 20, 2024, a boat carrying 90 passengers sank in the Rio Campo Cribi sea. Passengers had been abandoned for nearly 19 days, suffering injuries due to exposure. The survivors received aid from the Red Cross and remained held in a gendarmerie, with their repatriation still unresolved. The situation outlines the complexity and dangers of migration in the region.
On July 20, 2024, the Equatorial Guinea Red Cross was informed by government officials of a shipwreck occurring at the Rio Campo Cribi sea border with Cameroon before dawn. Initially, passengers reported traveling since July 1 to reach Gabon for employment opportunities. It was later established that the boat had been abandoned by the captain, who feared arrest by local authorities, leaving the passengers stranded for approximately 19 days.
The passengers had not experienced a traditional shipwreck but had been adrift in international waters. During the rescue, they suffered injuries primarily due to prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions. One survivor recounted how they drifted until they finally entered Equatorial Guinea waters, where rescue teams found them.
The boat carried 90 individuals, including 47 women from Benin and Togo and 43 men from various countries. Tragically, one individual died, while 89 were rescued with varying degrees of injuries, from bruises to fractures, receiving first aid services immediately upon arrival.
Initial assessments revealed the survivors were housed in a facility intended for four people, leading to severe overcrowding. Lacking personal belongings, they urgently needed basic essentials like food, water, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Two months post-incident, they remained confined in the gendarmerie, which provided limited assistance.
Authorities planned to transfer survivors to a specialized facility but delays persisted. Despite receiving some support from local NGOs and consulates initially, only the Red Cross continued help afterward. Discussions regarding their potential repatriation have occurred, with some hopeful for return home by October 2024.
The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by migrants and the challenges of their rescue and support. The passengers were initially misidentified as shipwreck victims but were abandoned at sea for weeks. While there have been efforts for repatriation, the lack of clear outcomes raises concerns about their future. Continuous support from organizations like the Red Cross is crucial for their immediate needs.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
