Over 400 Rohingya Feared Dead in Twin Shipwrecks Off Myanmar Coast

 

Byline: Staff Correspondent
Date: May 25, 2025
Location: Geneva, Switzerland

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed grave concerns over two separate maritime tragedies earlier this month, which may have resulted in the deaths of approximately 427 Rohingya refugees. If confirmed, these incidents would represent the deadliest sea disasters involving the Rohingya community in 2025.Reuters+8www.ndtv.com+8UNHCR+8AP News+8Reuters+8Al Jazeera+8

According to UNHCR reports, the first incident occurred on May 9, when a vessel carrying 267 individuals sank after departing from Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, en route to Rakhine State, Myanmar. Only 66 survivors have been reported. The following day, a second boat with 247 people capsized under similar circumstances, with just 21 survivors rescued. These figures suggest a combined death toll of 427 individuals. Facebook+9AP News+9UNHCR+9Al Jazeera+7Arab News+7AP News+7AP News+9UNHCR+9Arab News+9

The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim minority group, have faced decades of persecution in Myanmar. Approximately 1 million Rohingya reside in refugee camps in Bangladesh, having fled violence and systemic discrimination. The dire conditions in these camps, coupled with limited prospects for resettlement, have compelled many to undertake perilous sea journeys in search of safety and better opportunities.www.ndtv.comThe Washington Post

UNHCR has highlighted that these tragedies underscore the desperate measures the Rohingya are willing to take amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions. The agency has also pointed to significant funding shortfalls as a contributing factor, noting that only 30% of its $383.1 million appeal for 2025 has been met. This financial gap has led to the suspension of over $300 million in planned activities, severely impacting aid delivery and protection efforts. Reuters

The agency is currently investigating reports of a third boat carrying 188 individuals that departed Myanmar on May 14. The fate of this vessel remains unknown. AP News+2AP News+2Arab News+2

UNHCR has called for increased international support to address the root causes of displacement and to provide immediate assistance to those affected. The organization emphasizes the need for collective responsibility-sharing and enhanced protection mechanisms to prevent further loss of life among vulnerable populations undertaking dangerous journeys.AP News+2Reuters+2UNHCR+2