Approximately 250 migrants, mainly Rohingya and Bangladeshi citizens, are missing after the vessel they were trying to reach Malaysia with sank in the Andaman Sea, according to UN refugee and migration agencies.
The boat they had departed from Bangladesh in is said to have capsized due to unfavorable weather conditions, rough seas, and overcrowding, officials cited by BBC have reported. The exact time of the shipwreck is unclear.
Only nine survivors found
Bangladesh Coast Guard managed to rescue only nine people on April 9th. Among the survivors is Rafiqul Islam, a 40-year-old man, who recounted floating at sea for almost 36 hours before being rescued.
He told AFP that he suffered burns from the leaked oil from the vessel and had agreed to the journey after being promised a job in Malaysia.
In a joint statement, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration warn that the tragedy reflects the desperate situation of Rohingya refugees, a minority ethnic group originally from Rakhine state, known mainly for being one of the most persecuted populations in the world.
„This tragic incident reflects the serious consequences of prolonged displacement and the absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya,” the agencies conveyed.
According to them, ongoing violence in Rakhine state, Myanmar, „has shattered hopes of safe return in the near future.”
Continued exodus from Myanmar
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after the violent repression in 2017. The predominantly Muslim minority is not recognized as citizens by the authorities in Myanmar.
The extremely harsh conditions in the refugee camps in Bangladesh drive many to risk their lives at sea in an attempt to reach Malaysia, perceived as a safer haven.
Dangerous journeys with no guarantees
The vessels used are typically overcrowded and lack basic amenities such as drinking water or hygiene. Many of them do not reach their destination.
Some migrants die at sea, while others are rejected by authorities or local communities. In January 2025, Malaysia denied access for two vessels carrying around 300 refugees after providing them with provisions.
A Rohingya refugee previously told Reuters that „some believe it is better to die at sea than to die slowly” in the camps in Bangladesh.
UN’s urgent appeal
UN agencies call on the international community to maintain funding to support Rohingya refugees and host communities.
„This tragedy is a reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of displacement and to create conditions for voluntary, safe, and dignified return,” they conveyed.