Feared Rohingya Boat Disaster Could Claim Over 500 Lives in Bay of Bengal

More than 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead after two overcrowded boats reportedly sank in the Bay of Bengal during separate voyages, according to a joint statement issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The boats, carrying Rohingya refugees fleeing desperate conditions in Myanmar and refugee camps in Bangladesh, departed from Myanmar’s western Rakhine State in late June in search of safety and a better future.

One vessel, carrying around 250 people, disappeared shortly after setting sail and has remained missing since. A second boat, with approximately 280 passengers on board, reportedly capsized near Myanmar’s coast on July 8.

While the exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM expressed deep concern over what could be one of the deadliest maritime tragedies involving Rohingya refugees in recent years.

The agencies noted that Rohingya refugees typically avoid sea crossings during the monsoon season due to dangerous weather conditions. However, worsening humanitarian conditions, severe flooding, shrinking food assistance, and ongoing conflict have forced many to undertake increasingly perilous journeys.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are currently living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh after fleeing military violence in Myanmar. Many remain unable to return home safely, while those still inside Myanmar continue to face severe restrictions and persecution.

The humanitarian crisis has been further aggravated by aid cuts from international donors and renewed fighting between Myanmar’s military and an armed group in Rakhine State, leaving many refugees with few options other than risking dangerous sea voyages toward countries such as Malaysia.

UNHCR and IOM urged the international community to strengthen regional cooperation by expanding search-and-rescue operations, ensuring access to protection and asylum, and intensifying efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks.

The agencies also noted that 2025 has already become the deadliest year for Rohingya sea crossings, with more than 6,500 people attempting the journey and nearly 900 reported dead or missing before the latest suspected disaster.