Boat to Malaysia Sinks in Andaman Sea, Hundreds Missing

Photo: Collected

Arakan Now, 13 April 2026

A boat carrying migrants to Malaysia has sunk in the Andaman Sea, leaving more than 200 people missing, Bangladeshi authorities said. Nine survivors, including Rohingya refugees, were rescued after drifting at sea for two days.

According to a report by The Territorial News (TTN), the passengers left on April 4 from coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar, including Teknaf and Inani, before being transferred onto a larger trawler. The vessel was carrying around 250 to 280 people, including women and children, when it encountered rough weather near the Andaman Islands and capsized after about eight days at sea.

Survivors said some passengers were trapped inside parts of the boat shortly before it sank. After the incident, several managed to stay afloat by holding onto plastic containers and fuel tanks until they were rescued by a passing Bangladeshi vessel.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard said six Bangladeshis and three Rohingya were among those rescued. They were later handed over to police in Teknaf and sent to court. Authorities have filed a case under anti-human trafficking laws against those involved in organising the journey.

Many of the passengers are believed to have been trying to reach Malaysia in search of work or to escape conditions in refugee camps. The fate of the remaining passengers remains unknown.