UN: More than 500 feared dead after two Rohingya boats capsize off Myanmar

More Than 500 Feared Dead After 2 Boats Reportedly Capsize Off Myanmar: UN

Vessels believed to have left Rakhine in late June carrying mostly Rohingya refugeesMore than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar, the United Nations said on Thursday.In a joint statement, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) voiced concern over reports "that two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent days".According to preliminary information, the vessels departed Myanmar's conflict-hit Rakhine state in late June with mainly members of the country's mostly Muslim Rohingya minority on board. Some passengers had reportedly travelled from the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, where more than one million Rohingya refugees live in difficult conditions.One boat, believed to have been carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure. The second vessel, reportedly carrying around 280 people, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8, AFP reports."While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life," the statement said.News Alert! UN agencies fear over 500 people died, including Rohingya refugees, after reports of boats capsizing in recent weeks, reports AP. pic.twitter.com/0NAoYPb9IR— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 16, 2026 Dangerous journeys continue despite worsening conditionsThe UN agencies noted that the voyages took place outside the regular sailing season, when sea conditions are generally more dangerous."Recent torrential rain and flooding across the region have further increased the risks associated with such sea movements."The statement added that, if confirmed, the latest tragedy would increase the number of people reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to nearly 300 this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.According to UNHCR, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the northern Indian Ocean in 2024, out of more than 6,500 who attempted the dangerous sea crossings. Every year, Rohingya refugees undertake risky sea journeys in overcrowded boats, often operated by trafficking networks, in search of safety and better living conditions.Bay Of Bengal: Over 500 Rohingya Feared Dead After Twin Refugee Boats Capsize During Desperate Escape To MalaysiaUN calls for stronger international responseThe UN agencies said the reported shipwrecks highlighted the continuing humanitarian crisis facing Rohingya communities."Escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, along with limited assistance and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, contribute to increasing numbers of people attempting perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection," they pointed out."The reported incidents also highlight the persistent risks posed by smuggling and trafficking networks, which continue to exploit the desperation of people seeking safety," they added.Also Watch:IOM and UNHCR called for "enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks".The agencies also praised Bangladesh for its "remarkable generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees for many years" while stressing the need for "sustained international support" for both refugees and host communities, along with "greater efforts to address the underlying drivers of forced displacement".

4 hours ago

Bay Of Bengal: Over 500 Rohingya Feared Dead After Twin Refugee Boats Capsize During Desperate Escape To Malaysia

Sydney: More than 500 people are feared dead after reports that two boats carrying members of Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority have capsized in the Bay of Bengal, officials said Thursday.According to preliminary information, the two boats left Myanmar's western state of Rakhine in late June carrying mostly Rohingya passengers, including some who had travelled from refugee camps across the border in Bangladesh, according to a statement from the International Organisation for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.Also Watch: One boat, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure. A second boat, reportedly carrying 280 people, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8."While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the agencies said.The Rohingya, who have in recent years fled both Myanmar and Bangladesh's squalid refugee camps by the thousands, typically avoid such boat journeys at this time of year, when monsoons are frequent and conditions at sea are particularly dangerous.More than 500 people are feared to have been aboard two boats that reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar.Most were Rohingya passengers risking dangerous sea journeys in search of safety. We and IOM are deeply concerned by these reports and call for stronger efforts to… pic.twitter.com/FIvT4T4AfR— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) July 16, 2026 The UNHCR and IOM noted this in their statement, saying that recent torrential rain and flooding across the region would have made such journeys especially risky.Around 1.2 million stateless, predominantly Muslim Rohingya remain trapped in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh after fleeing waves of violence by Myanmar's security forces.The refugees have no way to safely return to Myanmar, where the military that killed thousands of Rohingya in 2017 during what the United States declared a genocide remains in charge of their homeland.WATCH: Indian Diplomat Puja Jha Objects To 'Incorrect' India Map At Bangladesh Seminar Over J&K Depiction | VIDEO The Rohingya still living in Myanmar face severe restrictions and many are confined to internment camps.Steep cuts to foreign aid by the US and other countries have led to ration cuts in Bangladesh's refugee camps, while the ruling military and an ethnic armed organisation in Rakhine have fought for control of the region.The unrest has led to an increasing number of Rohingya attempting to make the dangerous ocean crossing to Malaysia on rickety boats.'If Death Comes, I Want It On My Own Soil': Sheikh Hasina Says She Will Return To Bangladesh From India, Surrender In Court Thousands have died in the process, including babies, children and pregnant women. Local maritime authorities have frequently abandoned the Rohingya at sea, often ignoring reports of boats in distress.The IOM and UNHCR said on Thursday that the latest potential tragedy at sea underscores the continued lack of sustainable solutions for the Rohingya, and urged the international community to support those trapped in Bangladesh's camps.38.95 Km Of India-Bangladesh Border In Assam Still Unfenced, Minister Informs Assembly “Stronger regional and international efforts are needed to prevent further loss of life along one of the world's deadliest maritime routes, including through enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks,” the agencies said.More than 6,500 Rohingya fled and nearly 900 were reported dead or missing in 2025, the deadliest year for Rohingya who tried to leave by boat.The figure represents the highest mortality rate of any major route for refugee and migrant sea journeys in the world, the UNHCR said. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

8 hours ago

At least 500 Rohingya feared dead after two boats capsize in Bay of Bengal

Two boats carrying Rohingya people capsized in the Bay of Bengal. At least 500 individuals are feared dead after these tragic incidents. The boats departed from Myanmar's Rakhine state and Bangladesh refugee camps. These perilous sea crossings occur during the dangerous monsoon season. The international community is urged to increase support for Rohingya refugees.

10 hours ago