A migrant boat carrying Rohingya refugees sank near the Thailand-Malaysia border, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving hundreds missing. Rescue efforts are underway to locate survivors in a large maritime area.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the vessel capsized off the coast of Langkawi Island, Malaysia, and Ko Tarutao, Thailand. It was carrying approximately 70 people, most of whom were Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Malaysian authorities reported that the boat was overcrowded and ill-equipped, leading to its sinking in rough waters. Rescue teams have been deployed to search for survivors in an area spanning over 250 square nautical miles.
So far, 13 survivors have been rescued, and the death toll has risen to at least seven, with some sources indicating up to eleven fatalities. The search and rescue operation, led by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), has been intensified, with expectations that it could last up to seven days. Bodies recovered include women and children, highlighting the vulnerability of the passengers.
The migrants were part of a larger group of about 300 Rohingya who departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine state recently. They traveled on a larger vessel before being transferred to smaller boats near the border, a common tactic used by human traffickers to evade detection. This method increases the risk of capsizing, as smaller boats are less stable and more susceptible to adverse weather conditions.
The Rohingya community faces severe persecution in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and subjected to violence. Since a military crackdown in 2017, hundreds of thousands have fled to Bangladesh, but overcrowded camps and poor conditions there drive many to attempt dangerous sea journeys to countries like Malaysia. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, following the 2021 coup, has worsened the situation, prompting more desperate escapes.
Human trafficking syndicates exploit this desperation, charging fees of over $3,000 per person for passage on unsafe boats. These vessels often lack basic amenities and are operated by criminal networks that profit from the migrants’ plight. Cross-border efforts to combat trafficking have been challenging, with frequent tragedies underscoring the need for stronger international cooperation.
This incident is part of a pattern of maritime disasters involving Rohingya refugees in the region. Previous capsizings have resulted in significant loss of life, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis. Authorities in Malaysia and Thailand are coordinating rescue efforts, but the scale of the operation and the number of missing persons pose immense challenges. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and provide safe pathways for refugees.
