Over 500 mostly Rohingya refugees feared dead after boats capsize off Myanmar

The United Nations has expressed grave concern that more than 500 people, most of them Rohingya, have perished at sea after two boats capsized off Myanmar's coast. The UN Refugee Agency and the International Organization for Migration said in a joint statement that one vessel carrying around 250 people lost contact shortly after departure in late June, while a second boat with approximately 280 passengers is believed to have sunk off the Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.

Rohingya Risking Perilous Journeys

The passengers on both vessels were mostly Rohingya, a minority group that has long been persecuted in Myanmar and continues to face violence. Some are said to have travelled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, to board the boats in Rakhine state. The UN Refugee Agency noted that the Rohingya continue to risk dangerous sea voyages in search of safety, despite the frequent tragedies that occur on these routes.

Desperate Search for Safety

The Rohingya have been fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar for decades, often taking to the sea in poorly equipped vessels. While some seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia, the recent incidents highlight the extreme risks they continue to face. Search and rescue operations in the region are often hampered by limited resources and political sensitivities, leaving many families without answers.