250 missing after migrant boat sinks in Indian Ocean

250 Missing After Migrant Boat Sinks in Indian Ocean

A vessel carrying approximately 250 Rohingya and Bangladeshis, including minors, overturned in the Andaman Sea last week, according to the United Nations’ refugee and migration authorities. The boat, which had set off from Bangladesh and was heading toward Malaysia, reportedly sank due to intense winds, turbulent waters, and excessive crowding, as stated by the agencies. The Bangladesh Coast Guard informed AFP that one of its ships retrieved nine survivors from the boat on 9 April. However, the precise moment of the accident remains uncertain.

Refugee Journey and Perilous Conditions

The Rohingya, an ethnic minority in Myanmar, have been migrating into Bangladesh in large numbers since the 2017 military crackdown. Many are Muslim and face stateless status under Myanmar’s legal system, which predominantly follows Buddhist traditions. Despite the risks, some Rohingya continue to attempt perilous sea voyages to Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation they often view as a refuge. Poor living conditions in Bangladesh have contributed to this exodus.

“I drifted for nearly 36 hours before being saved,” recounted Rafiqul Islam, a survivor. “Oil from the boat burned my skin, and the hope of finding work in Malaysia was what made me board.”

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, this incident underscores the severe impact of prolonged displacement. The agencies highlighted that ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State have eroded the possibility of a safe return. Limited humanitarian support and difficult life in refugee camps have driven more individuals to risk their lives at sea.

Challenges of Maritime Migration

The boats used for these crossings are typically small and poorly equipped, often lacking essentials such as clean water and sanitation. Despite their efforts, not all make it to their intended destinations. Some perish during the journey, while others are detained or expelled. In January 2025, Malaysia rejected two boats with around 300 refugees, providing them with food and water before turning them away.

“People are dying in the fighting, starving. So some choose to die at sea instead of slowly here,” said a Rohingya refugee in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, to Reuters.

Amid these challenges, the UN agencies urged global support to fund Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts. They emphasized that as the country begins a new year, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to tackle the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and create conditions for a dignified, voluntary return home.