Over 500 feared dead after two boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsize in Bay of Bengal
PTC News Desk: At least 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying Rohingya refugees in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Myanmar as refugees from the war-torn country make perilous maritime journeys in search of safety and better lives.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) described the incident as one of the deadliest maritime disasters involving the persecuted minority in recent years.
"While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life," the agencies said in a joint statement.
According to preliminary information, the boats departed Myanmar's conflict-hit Rakhine state in late June. Some passengers had also travelled from refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The reported tragedy comes at a time when very few Rohingya refugees try to cross the sea, as the monsoon season makes the Bay of Bengal extremely dangerous.
The United Nations said heavy rainfall and flooding across the region made the journey even more risky.
Around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, who do not have citizenship, are living in crowded camps in Bangladesh after escaping military violence in Myanmar.
Many Rohingya who are still in Myanmar continue to face strict restrictions on their movement and have limited access to basic services. Many are also living in internment camps.
Over the years, the sea route through the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea has claimed the lives of thousands of Rohingya refugees, including children, babies and pregnant women.
According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), more than 6,500 Rohingya attempted risky sea journeys in 2025. Nearly 900 of them were reported dead or missing, making it the deadliest year ever for such crossings.
- With inputs from agencies
