Sudanese woman and 16-year-old girl reportedly die trying to cross Channel

A boat carrying at least 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, capsized in the Andaman Sea en route to Malaysia. The incident occurred recently, with the boat departing from Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. According to the UN refugee and migration agencies, overcrowding and rough seas caused the vessel to sink. As of Wednesday, nine people, three Rohingya and six Bangladeshis, were rescued by a Bangladesh flag carrier after being found floating at sea on April 9th. The fate of the remaining passengers and any ongoing search efforts remain unclear.

Approximately 250 Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants, including children, are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea last week. The UN refugee and migration agencies report the vessel, traveling from Bangladesh to Malaysia, sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding. The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued nine survivors on April 9th, but the exact date of the sinking is unknown. Driven by poor living conditions in Bangladesh and the promise of work, the migrants were attempting to reach Malaysia, seeking refuge. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled Myanmar since 2017 due to persecution and denial of citizenship.

Approximately 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported the incident on Tuesday, stating the trawler, overloaded with men, women, and children, sank due to strong winds and rough seas. The boat had departed from Teknaf, Bangladesh, attempting to reach Malaysia. The UNHCR and IOM highlighted the tragedy underscores the lack of lasting solutions for displaced Rohingya. The Bangladesh coastguard rescued nine people on April 9th. Thousands of Rohingya risk dangerous sea journeys annually to escape persecution in Myanmar and overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, seeking better lives in other countries.

In 2025, a record number of nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported dead or missing in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, according to the UNHCR. The UN agency describes the area as an "unmarked graveyard" due to the thousands of Rohingya who have drowned at sea over the past decade. These dangerous journeys are primarily undertaken by Rohingya fleeing refugee camps in Bangladesh and Rakhine State in Myanmar, seeking refuge in Malaysia or Indonesia due to limited opportunities and reduced aid. Ongoing conflict, persecution, and lack of citizenship in Myanmar contribute to their desperation, with over 2,800 attempting the crossing in 2026 alone. A significant portion of those making the journeys are women and children, who are especially vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

Approximately 250 people are missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea on April 4th. The UN agencies report the vessel, carrying about 280 people, sank due to harsh weather and overcrowding while en route from Teknaf, Bangladesh, to Malaysia. The passengers were likely fleeing overcrowded refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, where many Rohingya reside after fleeing persecution and conflict in Myanmar. The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued nine survivors, while others were rescued by a Bangladeshi flag carrier near the Andaman Islands. The UNHCR and IOM highlight the tragedy as a consequence of displacement and the lack of solutions for the Rohingya.