Over 250 Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants missing after capsized boat in Andaman Sea, says UN

Around 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrants, including women and children, are feared missing after their boat capsized in the Andaman Sea last week, according to United Nations refugee and migration agencies. The vessel was reportedly en route from Bangladesh to Malaysia when it sank under severe weather conditions.

The agencies stated that the trawler likely went down due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding. The exact timing of the capsizing remains unclear, but on April 9, a Bangladesh-flagged vessel rescued nine survivors who were found clinging to floating debris, including drums and wooden fragments, in a desperate attempt to stay alive.

Survivors told authorities that the journey began on April 4 with the hope of reaching Malaysia for better livelihood opportunities. According to accounts shared by coast guard personnel, the boat was caught in a storm around April 7 or 8, leaving passengers stranded at sea for nearly two days without proper food or safety equipment.

One survivor, Rafiqul Islam, said he floated for nearly 36 hours before being rescued and suffered injuries during the ordeal. Rescuers later confirmed that the survivors were from both Bangladeshi and Rohingya communities in the Cox’s Bazar region, with initial estimates suggesting nearly 100 passengers may have been on board, though the total number remains unverified.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration have described the incident as a reflection of worsening humanitarian conditions, urging the international community to address the root causes of displacement. They noted that ongoing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and difficult conditions in refugee camps continue to push Rohingya migrants toward dangerous sea routes in search of safety and stability.