A boat used by Rohingya refugees to cross the Andaman Sea located in the coast of Aceh, Indonesia, after passengers came ashore on January 8, 2023. (UNHCR/Kenzie Eagan)
On July 16, more than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly disappeared or sank off the coast of Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
Through a joint statement, the agencies said both vessels departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June. Preliminary information suggests that one boat, carrying around 250 people, lost contact with authorities shortly after leaving shore. A second vessel, believed to have been transporting approximately 280 passengers, is thought to have capsized off the coast of Ayeyarwady on July 8.
The agencies stressed that the incidents and the number of casualties have not yet been officially verified. However, they expressed deep concern over what could become one of the deadliest maritime tragedies involving Rohingya refugees in recent years.
According to the IOM and UNHCR, the reported incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by Rohingya people attempting dangerous sea crossings in search of safety and better living conditions. Many continue to flee persecution and limited opportunities, often relying on overcrowded boats operated by smuggling networks.
The UN agencies renewed their appeal for stronger international support for Rohingya refugees, particularly those living in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, where many remain displaced with few long-term prospects.
They also called for greater regional and global cooperation to reduce further loss of life along one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes. Recommended measures include improving search and rescue operations, ensuring access to asylum and international protection and strengthening efforts to disrupt human smuggling and human trafficking networks.
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