Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Malta Boat Tragedy: 170 Indians Died, Case Stuck in Court
A long time ago, in 1996, a boat carrying many people from India and other countries capsized near Malta.
Many people died, including 170 Indians.
The families of the victims have been waiting for justice for a very long time.
The case is still in court, and it's been very hard for the families.
Some people who were responsible were sentenced in Italy, but in India, the case is still not finished.
Many witnesses have died or can't be found, making it difficult to finish the trial.
The families are still hoping for justice.
A boat carrying 565 people capsized near Malta on December 26, 1996, resulting in 290 deaths, including 170 Indians.
The victims were attempting to enter Italy illegally in pursuit of a better life.
An Italian court sentenced two travel agents to 30 years in jail in 2008, but the case in India is still ongoing.
Most witnesses have either passed away, are untraceable, or have settled abroad, delaying the trial.
The Punjab government provided ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 to families of 79 victims, but no compensation from the central government.
- Who
- 565 people from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh attempting to enter Italy illegally
- What
- Boat capsized near Malta, resulting in 290 deaths (170 Indians)
- When
- December 26, 1996
- Where
- Near Malta, a small European country
- Why
- Attempting to enter Italy illegally in pursuit of a better life
- Date of Incident
- December 26, 1996
- Number of Victims
- 290 (170 Indians)
- Primary Accused
- Mandhir Kumar (travel agent)
- Sentencing in Italy
- 2008 (30 years to 2 travel agents)
- Current Status
- Trial ongoing, 40 witnesses examined
- Compensation
- Rs 50,000 ex-gratia by Punjab government
- Next Hearing
- February 21, 2026