UN, IOM: Hundreds missing after Rohingya boat capsizes in Andaman Sea

Photo: Collected

Arakan Now, 15 April 2026

Around 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the agencies said the overcrowded trawler sank due to strong winds and rough seas. The boat had departed Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was heading towards Malaysia.

The UN agencies said the incident reflects the ongoing risks faced by Rohingya fleeing persecution and poor conditions in refugee camps.

Bangladesh’s coastguard rescued nine survivors on April 9, including one woman, according to Agence France-Presse. Officials said some were found floating at sea using makeshift objects.

Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency reported that six of the rescued individuals were suspected of involvement in human trafficking and have been detained.

A survivor told AFP he had been promised work in Malaysia but was instead taken on the overcrowded boat, where several people died during the journey.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in 2017 amid a military crackdown and sought refuge in Bangladesh. Many continue to attempt dangerous sea journeys each year in search of safety and better living conditions.