Outdated Photos Resurfaced in Relation to the Recent Capsized Boat Tragedy

19th June 2023

Outdated Photos Resurfaced in Relation to the Recent Capsized Boat Tragedy

The photos predate the recent tragic boat accident (Twitter)

The Claim

Three photos show the fishing boat that capsized near the southern region of Greece, leading to the tragic loss of dozens of immigrants' lives.

News posted on

Emerging story

Following the heart-wrenching incident of a boat that capsized in Greece's southern region, social media platforms saw the emergence of three purported photographs of the ill-fated fishing vessel.

These images, posted by users, allegedly depicted the very boat that sank, culminating in the tragic loss of numerous immigrant lives.

A supporting image within the article body

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar investigated the viral photos and found the claims to be misleading.

After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the photos making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the recent capsized boat near Greece.

Boat Photos Date Back to 2016

Misbar’s team found two of the circulating photos uploaded to a VOA article in May 2016.

As the photos’ caption suggests, the photos were shot on May 25, 2016. The photos feature individuals attempting to jump in the water as their boat overturned near the coast of Libya.

Also, the BBC published one of the same photos on the same date.

Migrant Boat Sinks Off Libya's Coast: Dozens Feared Dead

About 20 individuals lost their lives when a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Libya. According to officials, over 80 people were successfully rescued in this second incident of its kind within two days.

The Libyan coast guard found four bodies floating in the Mediterranean, along with two empty boats. Additionally, the Libyan navy spokesperson informed AP that the coast guard successfully rescued over 760 migrants who were divided into two groups—one near the western city of Sabratha and the other off Zwara.

2015 Photo Recirculated After the Recent Capsized Boat Tragedy

In addition, Misbar’s team found that the third photo dates back to August 6, 2015.

The photo was found attached to a published article reporting on the tragic incident of a boat capsizing in the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the deaths of numerous migrants.

According to the photo's caption, a heartbreaking incident occurred where hundreds of men, women, and children tragically lost their lives. The incident occurred when a rubber fishing boat carrying approximately 600 migrants capsized off the coast of Libya.

Reports suggest that the boat capsized as the individuals onboard hurriedly shifted to one side upon the approach of the LE Niamh vessel.

Greece Boat Disaster: Dozens Dead, Hundreds Missing

The death toll resulting from the tragedy on Wednesday is expected to be in the hundreds, based on witness testimonies indicating that approximately 400 to 750 individuals were crowded on the fishing boat that sank around 50 miles (80 km) off the southern Greek town of Pylos.

Following the incident, Greek authorities reported that 104 survivors and 78 deceased bodies were recovered and brought ashore. Unfortunately, the chances of finding additional survivors were diminishing.

Among the survivors of the boat capsize, twelve individuals were identified as Pakistani nationals, as confirmed by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. However, there is no available information regarding the number of Pakistani casualties or their identities. Greek government officials have stated that the majority of the people onboard the capsized boat were from Egypt, Syria, and Pakistan.