Equatorial Guinea Shipwreck: A Disturbing Incident at Sea

On July 20, 2024, a vessel carrying 90 passengers was abandoned and stranded in international waters before being rescued by Equatorial Guinea authorities. Most passengers are facing difficulties, lacking basic necessities after their lengthy ordeal. Currently, efforts for their repatriation are underway, though clarity on their future remains uncertain.

On July 20, 2024, the National President of the Equatorial Guinea Red Cross was alerted about a shipwreck incident that occurred at the Rio Campo Cribi sea border between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. However, it was revealed that the vessel had not been involved in an accident but had been abandoned by its captain, who feared arrest by authorities. The passengers, who had been stranded for approximately 19 days at sea, were ultimately rescued after entering Equatorial Guinea’s territorial waters.

The vessel carried 90 individuals, including 47 women from various nationalities and 43 men. Tragically, one passenger lost his life, while 89 were ultimately rescued. They sustained injuries from prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions during their time adrift. The Red Cross provided immediate assistance to those injured upon their rescue by the National Gendarmerie.

Following the rescue, the individuals were placed in an overcrowded room at the Gendarmerie in Bata, originally designed for just four occupants. Due to visa complications, they remained confined without personal belongings, facing urgent needs for basic necessities, including food, water, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Initial plans for their relocation to a more suitable environment were not realized, leading to continued reliance on external aid.

Several weeks later, while some assistance was provided by local consulates and NGOs, by September, only the Red Cross continued supporting them. As of October 2024, discussions regarding their repatriation remain ongoing with little clarity on their future. A representative of the Beninese Consulate indicated that efforts were being made for the repatriation of their nationals before the end of October 2024.

In summary, the incident involving the stranded passengers highlights significant issues surrounding safety and humanitarian aid at sea. The initial miscommunication regarding a shipwreck, coupled with the lack of support for those rescued, raises concerns about oversight in managing such crises. The Red Cross’s efforts demonstrate the importance of coordinated response strategies, essential for ensuring assistance reaches those in need effectively. Any future actions must prioritize the welfare and repatriation of the affected individuals to prevent further humanitarian concerns.

Original Source: reliefweb.int