About 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, are missing after a crowded vessel capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Organization for Migration.
The trawler, which departed from Bangladesh and was heading toward Malaysia, reportedly sank amid heavy winds, rough seas, and severe overcrowding. Authorities are still uncertain about the exact timing of the disaster.
Nine survivors were rescued on April 9 after being found clinging to debris in open waters. According to Bangladesh Coast Guard officials, the individuals had been drifting for nearly two days, using drums and wooden planks to stay afloat. They were later transferred to safety after being spotted by a passing vessel.
Survivors recounted that the journey began on April 4, driven by hopes of finding better economic opportunities abroad. However, the boat was caught in a storm just days later, leading to the fatal incident. One survivor, Rafiqul Islam, said he remained stranded at sea for over 36 hours and suffered injuries from spilled fuel.
The passengers were believed to be from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have lived since fleeing violence in Myanmar. The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority, have long faced persecution and are denied citizenship by Myanmar’s government.
Despite seeking refuge in Bangladesh, many Rohingya continue to face harsh living conditions, limited resources, and shrinking humanitarian aid. These factors have pushed some to undertake dangerous sea journeys toward countries like Malaysia, which is often seen as a safer destination.
The UN agencies described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the risks faced by displaced populations. They emphasized that worsening conditions in refugee camps, combined with ongoing instability in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, have diminished hopes for a safe return home.
Such sea crossings are frequently perilous, involving overcrowded boats with little access to food, water, or sanitation. Many vessels never reach their destinations, with passengers either dying at sea or being turned away by authorities in neighboring countries.
The UN has called on the international community to increase funding and support for Rohingya refugees and host communities, while also addressing the root causes of displacement to enable safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.
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