United Nations Fears Over 500 Dead After Myanmar Boat Tragedies

The United Nations has expressed fears that more than 500 people may have died following reports of two major boat disasters off the coast of Myanmar since late June.

According to AFP, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) raised the alarm in a joint statement, citing reports that two vessels carrying more than 500 people may have capsized in recent days.

Preliminary information indicated that the boats departed from Myanmar’s conflict-hit Rakhine State in late June, carrying mainly members of the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority. Some passengers were also believed to have travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, which hosts more than one million Rohingya refugees.

The UN agencies said one of the boats, believed to be carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure, while another vessel with approximately 280 passengers reportedly sank off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.

“While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the agencies said.

They noted that the voyages took place outside the regular sailing season, when sea conditions are more dangerous, adding that heavy rainfall and flooding across the region had further increased the risks.

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The agencies warned that if confirmed, the latest tragedies would add to the nearly 300 people already reported missing or dead this year in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

According to the UN, Rohingya refugees continue to undertake dangerous sea crossings in search of safety and better living conditions, often relying on smugglers and human trafficking networks.

“Escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, along with limited assistance and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, contribute to increasing numbers of people attempting perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection,” the statement said.

The UN agencies called for enhanced search and rescue operations, improved access to asylum and protection, and stronger action against smuggling and trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable people.