VAN - After the sinking of a refugee boat on Lake Van at the end of June, 59 bodies have been recovered so far. They are refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

 

More than three weeks after the sinking of a boat in the province of Van, which was occupied by refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, rescue workers have recovered more bodies. Since the incident at the end of June, the bodies of 59 drowned people have been found.

 

Up to 100 migrants drowned in Lake Van on 27 June when the boat capsized in stormy weather. The boat lies in the middle of the lake at a depth of almost 107 metres. It was found only eleven days ago. By then, the bodies of thirteen people had already been washed ashore. Villagers had also found two survivors. They contradicted statements by the authorities that there were about 50 to 60 refugees on the boat and reported that it was massively overcrowded.

 

Five people were arrested during a preliminary investigation. However, there is no information available about the proceedings, as a confidentiality order was issued.