Why more Rohingya risk sea escapes to Malaysia, Indonesia: ‘some make it, some die’

Facing dire conditions in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, increasing numbers of Rohingya Muslims are risking dangerous sea voyages to Malaysia and Indonesia. These journeys, often undertaken in overcrowded and rickety boats, are driven by shrinking food rations due to declining international aid. This month, one such boat carrying nearly 300 people capsized in the Andaman Sea, leaving 250 missing and presumed dead. Despite the high risk of death from hunger and accidents at sea, the number of Rohingya attempting these escapes continues to rise as conditions in the camps worsen for the nearly 1.2 million refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar.

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.

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.