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Momodou
Denmark
11786 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Oct 2006 : 02:25:59
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CONFESSION OF DEJECTED RETURNEES
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Three Gambians in their mid-twenties have narrated their ordeal during their unsuccessful adventure to the Canary Island, a Spanish territory, in their bid to fulfil their age old dream of nestling in Europe. They made no bones about their nightmarish experience that their risky venture had landed them in.
The trio, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity after they chucked up the idea of going to Europe on a make shift boat, informed this reporter that they were surprised by the way they missed their route to Spain. They revealed that after they boarded the boat on an Island near Kafunting, Casamance, they sailed for twelve good days and nights without a glimpse of the Canary Islands. They noted that the captain of the boat had missed the route and they were heading to an unknown destination.
"We sailed for seven days without a glimpse of any ship plying between Europe and Africa. We ran out of food and our water supply was exhausted and we were left with just one gallon of fuel," they lamented. They also narrated how 12 Senegalese mates who could not withstand the hunger, thirst and effect of drinking salty water passed away on board. The bodies of the dead they said, were thrown overboard.
The journey without destination in a mighty ocean did come to an end after the bewildered youths, surrounded by water and the sky, experienced nightmares on board their make shift boat. They immediately decided to make the return journey. They said that on their way back, they spotted a fishing trawler whose crew helped them with food and water. They also said that the captain of the trawler informed the Moroccan navy about them. They added that the Moroccans received them and escorted them to the Island of Dahlar, 40 kilometres from the coast of Southern Morocco.
They also complained of being manhandled by Moroccan authorities. They said, "We were handed over to the Senegalese Embassy, which helped to repatriate us to Dakar by a Royal Air Morocco flight."
It is amazing that the experience has not deterred the youth of still dreaming to go to Europe.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 88/2006, 12-15 October, 2006
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