More than 500 feared dead as officials investigate reports of boats capsizing with Rohingya refugees
Summary
More than 500 people are feared dead following reports of two boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsizing in the Bay of Bengal, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and perilous journeys faced by the stateless minority.
Key Points
- More than 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead after two boats reportedly capsized in the Bay of Bengal.
- The boats departed Myanmar's Rakhine state and included refugees from camps in Bangladesh.
- Monsoon season and recent torrential rains made sea journeys particularly dangerous at this time.
- UNHCR and IOM called for stronger regional and international efforts to prevent further loss of life and support refugees.
- 2025 was the deadliest year for Rohingya boat journeys, with nearly 900 reported dead or missing.
