Overloading caused Egypt shipwreck that claimed over 400 lives

Mutawali is a survivor of the recent shipwreck off the coast of Egypt’s northern province of Beheira.

The wreck was said to have been caused by overloading that left over 400 illegal migrants dead on September 21

“I learned that some stowaways had stayed on the ship for several days when we embarked and they continued sending more to join us. The speedboat left soon after it dropped us onto the ship. Not long after, the ship started to tilt left and right, as the ship was overloaded with too many people,” said Mutawali.

In total 175 migrants were rescued but Mutawali lost his wife and children.

He admits he knew the dangers of getting on a smuggling ship, but had to due to constraints.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the number of illegal migrants and refugees departing from Egypt for Europe accounts for 10 percent of those who have already arrived in Europe.

Meanwhile, more than 3,200 refugees died or were missing in the Mediterranean Sea since January this year.