Hassan Ali warns: Flight over the sea is not worth!

Hassan Ali warns: Flight over the sea is not worth!

Gujrat, Pakistan - A survivor tells: The hell on earth!

Hassan Ali, a 23-year-old man from Pakistan, experienced the unimaginable-he survived a terrible shipwreck in the Mediterranean, while many of his compatriots lost their lives. "It was a nightmare!" He says when he reports on his stay in the Malakasa refugee camp near Athens.

his way to hell began over three months ago when he left his wife and two little sons in their home village near Gujrat. The hope of a better life drove him, but the reality was merciless. "In Pakistan you can't live with dignity with so little money," explains Hassan.

The dangerous journey

In order to manage the horrendous cost of living, Hassan decided to seek his luck in Europe. "Nobody risks their life voluntarily," he says. The family sold land and jewelry to raise the horrendous 2 million rupees (about $ 7,100) for an "agent", the insured person to bring it safely to Europe.

But reality was different: in Libya Hassan landed in a prison for migrants, where he was held under inhumane conditions for months. "We only got a piece of bread a day and were allowed to go to the toilet once a day for five minutes," he reports. The guards struck brutally when someone complained or asked for help.

The dramatic shipwreck

Hassan was cried on a crowded boat that was designed for 40 people, but was occupied with over 80 men. "The waves were huge and the engines failed," he recalls. After 40 hours at sea, the boat capped. "I fell into the water and thought of my children," he says.

But fate wanted it differently: a ship of the merchant navy was on hand and threw a lifeguard to him. "I held it up with my life," says Hassan, who was the first survivor to be pulled on board.

The Greek authorities confirmed that at least five people died and over 200 were saved, but the exact number of missing people remains unclear.

"After everything we have gone through, I can only warn: never take this dangerous way!", Hassan appeals to others who have similar dreams. "It is not worth the risk."

The tragedy in the Mediterranean is not an isolated case. The UNHCR reports that over 190,000 migrants and refugees came to Europe this year, with 94 percent chosen the dangerous sea route.

Hassan now lives in the refugee camp and hopes to be able to work soon to support his family. "I call you once a day if I can borrow a phone," he says.

his message is clear: "Hope for a better life must not lead to a death sentence."