Humanitarian

Two Kurds missing after boat carrying migrants capsizes in English channel

Nima Shahsavari, 24, and Hiva Mostafaei, 27, from Paveh in Iranian Kurdistan, went missing after their boat capsized in the English Channel.

Wladimir van Wilgenburg 2023/12/21 17:49

Nima Shahsavari and Hiva Mostafaei went missing after they tried to cross the English Channel (Photo: Hengaw)

Kurdistan English Channel Migration Refugees Iranian Kurdistan

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Nima Shahsavari, aged 24, and Hiva Mostafaei, aged 27, both hailing from Paveh in Iranian Kurdistan, went missing, when the boat they were on capsized while attempting to cross the English Channel, reports the Iranian Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw.

Hengaw added that media outlets have reported that 64 individuals have been successfully rescued from the perilous situation involving the refugee-carrying boat. Regrettably, some of the survivors are said to be in critical condition.

“Nima Shahsavari and Hiva Mustafa'i had previously embarked on a journey to Europe through Turkey with the intention of seeking asylum. In their latest attempt to reach England, their boat overturned, leaving their fate shrouded in uncertainty,” the Hengaw report added.

As of late November, more than 28,000 people have crossed the Channel since the start of this year, according to British government statistics, compared with almost 46,000 over the whole of last year, reported AFP. This also includes Kurds from Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan.