Episode: KPN 17-07-2026

Over 500 feared dead after two boats reportedly capsize off Myanmar coast: IOM and UNHCR

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have expressed deep concern over reports that two boats carrying more than 500 people, mostly Rohingya, may have capsized off Myanmar’s coast in recent days, raising fears of one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in the region this year.

According to preliminary information released by the two UN agencies, the vessels departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June. Most passengers were Rohingya, including some believed to have travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

One vessel, carrying an estimated 250 people, reportedly lost contact shortly after departing. A second boat, believed to have been carrying around 280 passengers, is reported to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.

Although authorities have not officially confirmed the incidents or casualty figures, IOM and UNHCR warned that the potential loss of life could be devastating.

The agencies noted that the voyages occurred outside the normal sailing season, when weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea are significantly more dangerous. Heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across the region have further increased the risks of maritime travel.

If confirmed, the latest tragedy would add to nearly 300 people already reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.

Conflict and Displacement Driving Risky Sea Journeys

UNHCR and IOM said the reported incidents reflect the worsening humanitarian crisis affecting Rohingya communities.

According to the agencies, escalating armed conflict in Myanmar, combined with deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Rakhine State and limited opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, continues to push increasing numbers of Rohingya to undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and protection.

The agencies also warned that human smuggling and trafficking networks continue to exploit vulnerable people desperate to escape violence and uncertainty.

Call for Regional Action

IOM and UNHCR called for stronger regional and international cooperation to prevent further loss of life along one of the world’s deadliest maritime migration routes.

The agencies urged governments to strengthen search-and-rescue operations, expand access to asylum and international protection, and intensify efforts against human smuggling and trafficking networks.

While acknowledging Bangladesh’s longstanding generosity in hosting nearly one million Rohingya refugees, the agencies also appealed for sustained international support for both refugees and host communities, alongside greater efforts to address the root causes of forced displacement in Myanmar.

UNHCR and IOM said they continue working with governments across South and Southeast Asia under a “route-based approach” designed to save lives, enhance protection for refugees, migrants and stateless people, reduce harm, and strengthen regional responses to mixed migration movements.

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