Boat Carrying Migrants Capsizes in Indian Ocean, 250 Missing

April 14, Kathmandu – A boat traveling from Bangladesh to Malaysia capsized in the Andaman Sea, located on the eastern coast of the Indian Ocean, resulting in 250 people reported missing. According to the United Nations Refugee and Migration Agency, the victims are Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals. The boat, primarily used for fishing, was en route from Bangladesh towards Malaysia.

Reports indicate that the boat sank due to strong winds, rough sea conditions, and overcapacity. The Bangladesh Coast Guard informed AFP news agency on April 9 that one of their vessels had rescued nine survivors from the incident. The exact date of the accident remains unclear.

The Rohingya are an ethnic minority from Myanmar who fled in large numbers following a violent crackdown in 2017. Myanmar, whose majority population is Buddhist, does not grant citizenship to Rohingya Muslims. Due to dire conditions in Bangladesh, many Rohingya have undertaken dangerous sea journeys to reach Malaysia.

One of the rescued individuals, Rafiqul Islam, recounted surviving nearly 36 hours adrift before being rescued. The 40-year-old traveled in pursuit of employment opportunities in Malaysia, despite the risks involved.