Shipwreck Incident in Equatorial Guinea: Overview and Implications

On July 20, 2024, a shipwreck incident off the coast of Equatorial Guinea involved 90 passengers initially seeking jobs in Gabon. The boat had been abandoned and stranded in international waters for nearly 19 days. Only one fatality was reported, while the remaining passengers faced dire conditions without assistance. Rescued and held in a gendarmerie, their repatriation remains uncertain even months later, despite discussions with embassies.

On July 20, 2024, a shipwreck incident was reported by the National President of the Equatorial Guinea Red Cross following alerts from government authorities in Bata. The event occurred before dawn at the Rio Campo Cribi sea border between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. Initial reports indicated that the passengers had embarked on a journey to Gabon in search of jobs, having departed on July 1, 2024. However, a workshop revealed that the boat had been in international waters for nearly 19 days, with the captain abandoning it due to fears of arrest. It was clarified that the vessel was not involved in a wreck; instead, the passengers endured poor conditions at sea without assistance for an extended period.

Ninety individuals were aboard the boat, including 47 women and 43 men of various nationalities, predominantly from Benin and Togo. Unfortunately, one male passenger died, while the other 89 were eventually rescued after navigating into Equatorial Guinea’s territorial waters. Injuries ranged from minor bruises to fractures, and the National Society provided immediate first aid upon notification from the Gendarmerie Nacional.

An assessment by the Equatorial Guinea Red Cross revealed that the rescued individuals were cramped in a small holding room meant for four people at the Gendarmerie in Bata. They were prohibited from leaving due to visa issues and arrived with no personal belongings. Their urgent needs included food, water, clothing, hygiene supplies, and sleeping materials. By July 26, authorities promised relocation to a more spacious COVID management facility, yet two months post-incident, they remained at the gendarmerie, accommodated in a larger room divided by gender.

Initially receiving support from various NGOs and consulates, assistance diminished over time, with the Red Cross being the primary provider from September onwards until the operation concluded in October 2024. Without clear arrangements for repatriation and no means to earn a living, the survivors relied heavily on external aid for basic necessities. During the lessons learned workshop, a representative from the Beninese Consulate noted plans for the repatriation of affected nationals before the end of October 2024, emphasizing ongoing discussions with the involved embassies to facilitate their return.

The shipwreck incident off the coast of Equatorial Guinea has unveiled critical issues of maritime safety, the plight of migrants, and the response capabilities of local authorities. Following a harrowing ordeal at sea, the affected individuals require continued support and clear repatriation processes to ensure their well-being. The responses from government and NGOs illustrate the systemic challenges faced during emergencies, emphasizing the need for better preparedness and humanitarian aid operations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int