Bangladesh Boat Capsize Kills Dozens, Leaves 250 Rohingya Missing In Andaman Sea

Approximately 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea.

“Approximately 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said”

Al Jazeera

The trawler sank due to strong winds, rough seas and overcrowding, according to a joint UNHCR-IOM statement.

Al Jazeera

The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued nine people, including one woman.

Of the nine rescued, six were alleged to be involved in trafficking and have been detained.

Survivor Rafiqul Islam described being kept in a holding area where some died, and said he was burned by spilled oil.

He added that 25 to 30 people died from suffocation and overcrowding during the sea journey.

The UNHCR and IOM said the tragedy highlights the devastating human cost of protracted displacement.

More than 730,000 Rohingya were forced to flee Myanmar in 2017.

Al-Jazeera Net

Bangladesh is hosting about 1.3 million Rohingya, mostly living in overcrowded camps.

No official repatriation has occurred due to opposition from the Myanmar military junta.

Cuts in humanitarian assistance and worsening conditions were leaving refugees with little choice but to take dangerous sea journeys.

More than 6,500 Rohingya attempted sea crossings in 2025, with nearly 900 losing their lives.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard confirmed the rescue was not part of any official search operation.

“UN migration agency concerned over 250 feared dead or missing after Rohingya boat sinks off Bangladesh IOM warns refugees continue to face deadly sea journeys in search of safety Beyza Binnur Dönmez 15 April 2026•Update: 15 April 2026 GENEVA The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" over reports that around 250 people are feared dead or missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, a body of water adjacent to Myanmar and Thailand”

Anadolu Ajansı

The nine survivors were handed over to the coast guard and brought to police in Teknaf.

A case was filed regarding the illegal transport of Rohingya and Bangladeshis.

Six of the rescued were alleged traffickers and have been sent to jail.

The UNHCR and IOM urged the international community to strengthen funding and solidarity.

Survivor Rahela Begum recounted drifting for two days and one night before being rescued.