The United Nations has warned that more than 500 people may have died after two overcrowded migrant boats reportedly sank off the coast of Myanmar, raising fears of one of the deadliest maritime disasters involving Rohingya refugees in recent years.
The vessels were carrying Rohingya refugees attempting to flee persecution and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Myanmar when they encountered severe weather in the Andaman Sea earlier this month.
The UN refugee agency said preliminary information indicates that only a small number of people survived, while hundreds of others, including women and children, remain missing and are feared dead. Search efforts have been hampered by poor weather conditions and the remote location of the incident.
The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim minority from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, have faced years of violence, discrimination and displacement. Many continue to undertake dangerous sea journeys in overcrowded boats in search of safety and better living conditions in neighbouring countries.
The United Nations renewed its appeal for regional governments to strengthen search and rescue operations, protect vulnerable refugees and address the root causes forcing people to undertake perilous crossings.
If confirmed, the tragedy would rank among the deadliest maritime disasters involving Rohingya refugees in recent years, highlighting the continuing humanitarian crisis facing one of the world’s most persecuted communities.
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