Myanmar tragedy: 500 feared dead as two Rohingya boats sink in Bay of Bengal amid monsoon peril
More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying members of Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya community reportedly capsized in the Bay of Bengal, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The two agencies said they were "gravely concerned" over the possible massive loss of life, although the incidents and casualty figures are yet to be officially confirmed.
Boats disappeared after leaving Myanmar
According to preliminary information, the boats departed Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine State in late June, carrying mostly Rohingya refugees. Some passengers had also travelled from refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.
One boat, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after setting sail.
A second vessel, with about 280 passengers on board, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
Myanmar authorities have not officially confirmed the incidents. Officials from the country's Home Affairs Ministry declined to comment, while other government spokespersons did not respond to media queries.
Monsoon conditions made journey even more dangerous
The reported sinkings occurred during the peak monsoon season, when rough seas and heavy rains make maritime crossings particularly hazardous.
The UN agencies noted that widespread flooding and torrential rain across the region would have significantly increased the risks for those attempting the dangerous voyage.
Rohingya continue to flee persecution and hardship
Around 1.2 million stateless Rohingya remain in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh after fleeing Myanmar following the military crackdown in 2017, which the United States has described as a genocide.
Those still living in Myanmar continue to face severe restrictions, with many confined to camps and denied basic rights.
With worsening conditions in both Bangladesh's refugee camps and Myanmar's conflict-hit Rakhine State, increasing numbers of Rohingya have attempted risky sea journeys to countries such as Malaysia in search of safety.
UN calls for urgent global action
The IOM and UNHCR said the latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger international support for Rohingya refugees.
The agencies urged governments to strengthen search-and-rescue operations, expand access to asylum and protection, and crack down on human smuggling and trafficking networks operating across the region.
According to UNHCR, more than 6,500 Rohingya attempted dangerous sea crossings in 2025, with nearly 900 reported dead or missing even before the latest suspected disaster.
The agency says the Bay of Bengal-Andaman Sea route remains the world's deadliest maritime corridor for refugees and migrants.
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