At least 250 people, including men, women, and children, are missing after a Malaysia-bound trawler capsized in the Andaman Sea.
The missing include both Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have expressed profound grief and concern over the tragedy.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday (April 14), the agencies revealed that the vessel had departed illegally from the Teknaf coast in southern Bangladesh.
The trawler reportedly encountered fierce winds and turbulent waves in the Andaman Sea, causing it to lose balance and sink due to severe overcrowding.
Details of the Incident:
A Consequence of Desperation
The joint statement highlighted that this tragedy is a dire consequence of protracted displacement and the lack of sustainable solutions for the Rohingya.
Ongoing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has dimmed hopes for a safe return, while dwindling humanitarian aid has made life in the refugee camps increasingly unbearable.
"The lack of education, employment, and security is forcing many to choose these life-threatening sea routes," the agencies noted. They also blamed human traffickers for luring vulnerable people with false promises of high-paying jobs abroad.
Call for International Action
The UNHCR and IOM issued an urgent appeal to the international community to maintain life-saving assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to extend support to the local host communities.
As the region marks the New Year, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar.
Officials warned that unless conditions for a voluntary, safe, and dignified return are established, many more lives may be lost to the sea.
Live TV
RTV Plus 
