Over 500 feared dead as two boats with Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees capsize

Over 500 Rohingya Refugees feared dead in Bay of Bengal boat disaster

Over 500 feared dead as two boats - Two vessels transporting Rohingya refugees from Myanmar’s Rakhine state capsized in the Bay of Bengal, resulting in over 500 lives lost, according to officials. The incident, which occurred in late June, involved a boat carrying approximately 250 individuals that vanished shortly after departure, while another with 280 passengers sank near Ayeyarwady’s coast on July 8, as reported by AFP.

Authorities stated on Thursday that the casualty figures remain unconfirmed, though the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed deep concern. The agencies highlighted that the loss of life could have catastrophic consequences for the already vulnerable Rohingya community.

“Stronger regional and international efforts are needed to prevent further loss of life along one of the world’s deadliest maritime routes,” said the IOM and UNHCR. “Enhanced search and rescue operations, access to asylum, and actions against smuggling networks are critical.”

Rohingya’s perilous journey

Refugees from the Rohingya minority, who have endured years of persecution in Myanmar, typically avoid sea crossings during the monsoon season due to the heightened risks. However, recent extreme weather and flooding have forced many into perilous boat trips, with the UNHCR and IOM noting that conditions have become even more hazardous.

Approximately 1.2 million stateless Rohingya remain in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh after fleeing violence in Myanmar. The military, responsible for the 2017 genocide against the Rohingya, still controls their homeland, where survivors face severe restrictions and internment. With international aid slashed by the U.S. and other nations, refugee camps have seen reduced food supplies, exacerbating the crisis.

The ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and an ethnic armed group in Rakhine has driven more Rohingya to attempt dangerous journeys to Malaysia. Thousands have perished in these crossings, including infants, children, and expectant mothers. Local maritime authorities have often abandoned these refugees at sea, ignoring distress calls.

Deadliest year for Rohingya sea crossings

The 2025 boat disaster marks the deadliest year for Rohingya refugees attempting to flee by sea, with over 6,500 fleeing and nearly 900 reported dead or missing. This figure represents the highest mortality rate of any major maritime refugee route globally, as per the UNHCR’s latest findings.