Myanmar Navy Arrests 513 Rohingya at Sea as Trials Begin and Children Released, Community Leader Says
- Arakan Now
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Arakan Now | 27 November 2025
A boat carrying 513 Rohingya en route to Malaysia was arrested by the Myanmar Navy near Pauktaw Township, Rakhine State, on 20 November 2025, according to key informants and a Rohingya community leader from Sittwe. The passengers have since been separated and detained across multiple locations.
Detention Breakdown
Most of the children originate from Buthidaung and Maungdaw, while six were previously living in a refugee camp in Bangladesh.
The children, aged 7 to 12, said their parents were aware of their plans to travel with brokers to Malaysia to join relatives. They left their homes on 7 November, spent seven days in Tha Mee Hla (Shamila) village in Rathedaung Township, then four days in Ponnagyu Township before boarding the boat. The children said they heard gunshots during the Navy’s interception, though no injuries were reported.
Trials and Sentences
25 Nov: 45 adult males were sentenced without access to legal support
26 Nov: 53 adult males remained on trial at Sittwe Township Court, with sentencing expected
27 Nov: 64 adult females are scheduled for trial and sentencing
Children and Age Verification
There are 233 children (155 male, 78 female) aged 12–18. Authorities will conduct age verification to determine whether charges will be brought against them.
Releases
24 Nov: 20 boys (ages 7–12) were released and housed in Bu May, Sittwe
26 Nov: 45 children (25 male, 20 female) aged 5–12 were released and placed in Baw Du Pha village under the Khoung Duke Kar village track administrator
19 children under age 4 remain in police custody with their mothers
Conditions and Needs
The children said they need slippers, clothes, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, and multi-purpose cash assistance. They are currently staying in two houses in Bu May Ward–9, where community leaders are providing food and essential supplies, a Rohingya community leader from Sittwe said.
Some children wish to return home, others want to join relatives in Sittwe, while the rest said they will follow arrangements made by community leaders.
Among the 513 Rohingya, 34 individuals have been identified as refugees previously living in Bangladesh.
Second Boat Intercepted
Another boat carrying an estimated over 400 Rohingya was intercepted around 6 p.m. on 26 November. According to contact persons, those on board remain detained by the Myanmar Navy and have not yet been handed over to police or immigration.
There is currently no update on where these individuals will be held. Reports suggest authorities lack sufficient space, including at Sittwe Prison, to accommodate additional detainees.
