Beyza Binnur Dönmez
15 April 2026•Update: 15 April 2026
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.
The trawler reportedly left Teknaf in southern Bangladesh for Malaysia before sinking on April 9 amid heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding.
"This incident is a stark reminder of the grave risks people continue to face when undertaking dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better opportunities," IOM spokesperson Mohammedali Abunajela said in a statement.
"No one should have to choose between remaining in situations of profound hardship or embarking on a journey that may cost them their lives," he added.
The IOM said the latest shipwreck highlights the impact of prolonged displacement and the lack of long-term solutions for the Rohingya refugees, a persecuted Muslim minority.
It said poor conditions in camps, limited access to services and livelihoods, and declining aid and insecurity in Myanmar’s Rakhine State – where the Rohingya have long been persecuted – are driving more people to undertake dangerous journeys.
In 2025, more than 6,500 Rohingya refugees attempted sea crossings from Bangladesh and Myanmar, with nearly 900 losing their lives, according to the agency.
It concluded by calling on the international community to increase support for refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, while also addressing the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and creating conditions for the safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.
