More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mainly Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar, according to the United Nations.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said preliminary information showed the vessels departed Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine State in late June. Some of those onboard were also believed to have travelled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
The UN said one boat, carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure, while a second vessel with around 280 people reportedly sank off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
Although the incidents and casualty figures have not been officially confirmed, the agencies expressed grave concern over what could be one of the deadliest maritime tragedies involving Rohingya refugees in recent years.
The agencies noted that the journeys took place outside the regular sailing season, when rough seas and severe weather increase the risks of maritime travel. Recent torrential rains and flooding across the region have further worsened conditions.
If confirmed, the deaths would add to the nearly 300 people reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal so far this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.
The UN said escalating conflict in Myanmar, worsening humanitarian conditions, and limited opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh continue to drive desperate people to undertake dangerous sea crossings, often on overcrowded boats operated by smuggling and trafficking networks.
IOM and UNHCR called for stronger search and rescue operations, improved access to asylum and protection for refugees, and intensified efforts to dismantle human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks. The agencies also urged sustained international support for Bangladesh, which continues to host more than one million Rohingya refugees.
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