More than 500 feared dead as officials investigate reports of boats capsizing with Rohingya refugees
SYDNEY (AP) – More than 500 people are feared dead after reports that two boats carrying Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya minority capsized in the Bay of Bengal, officials said Thursday.
According to a statement from the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, according to preliminary information, two boats left Myanmar’s western state of Rakhine in late June, carrying mostly Rohingya passengers, including those traveling from refugee camps across the border in Bangladesh.
A boat thought to be carrying approximately 250 people lost contact shortly after setting off. A second boat carrying 280 people is believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
“Although the incidents and death toll have not yet been officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the agencies said. he said.
Rohingya, who have fled refugee camps in both Myanmar and Bangladesh by the thousands in recent years, generally avoid such boat journeys at this time of year when monsoon rains are frequent and sea conditions are particularly treacherous. UNHCR and IOM drew attention to this situation in their statement and stated that the recent heavy rain and floods in the region may make such journeys especially risky.
Approximately 1.2 million stateless, mostly Muslim Rohingya are stranded in overcrowded areas Refugee camps in Bangladesh After escaping waves of violence from Myanmar security forces.
There is no way for refugees to return safely to Myanmar, where the army is based and killed thousands of Rohingyas in 2017. USA declared genocide They remain responsible for their homeland. Rohingya still living in Myanmar face severe restrictions and many are interned in concentration camps.
Sharp cuts in foreign aid from the United States and other countries, Ration card cuts in refugee camps in BangladeshThe ruling army and the ethnic armed organization in Rakhine are fighting for control of the region.
Unrest, increasing numbers of Rohingya dangerous ocean crossing to Malaysia on rickety boats. Thousands of people died in this process, including babies, children and pregnant women. Local maritime authorities frequently abandon Rohingya at sea. ignoring reports of boats in distress.
The latest potential tragedy at sea underlines the continued lack of sustainable solutions for the Rohingya, IOM and UNHCR said on Thursday, calling on the international community to support those trapped in camps in Bangladesh.
“Stronger regional and international efforts are needed to prevent further loss of life along one of the world’s deadliest sea lanes, including enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to shelter and protection, and action against smuggling and smuggling networks,” the agencies said. he said.
More than 6,500 Rohingya fled and nearly 900 people were reported dead or missing in 2025, the deadliest year for Rohingyas trying to leave by boat. This figure represents the highest death toll among major routes for refugee and migrant cruises in the world, UNHCR said.
