Pakistani survivors of the Moroccan boat tragedy have claimed it was a premeditated massacre orchestrated by people smugglers, according to preliminary statements recorded by a four-member Pakistani investigative team, Express News reported.

The survivors revealed that traffickers kept the boat stranded in open water for several days and demanded a ransom. “Those who paid were released, while those who could not were beaten with hammers and thrown into the sea,” they said.

The victims also revealed that many passengers died due to cold weather, lack of food and physical abuse. “The boat was under the control of an international people-smuggling operation involving smugglers from Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco,” sources said.

The investigation team, comprising officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with the FIA, is currently in Morocco to investigate the incident.

Reports indicate that most of the casualties occurred due to severe weather and violence on the overcrowded boat. Survivors faced dire conditions, including food and water shortages, during their ordeal.