NewzVille Desk
Around 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, are feared missing after a trawler carrying them capsized in the Andaman Sea while reportedly attempting to reach Malaysia.
According to a joint statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration, the vessel had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and sank amid rough seas, strong winds and overcrowded conditions. The incident is believed to have taken place on April 9, though details remain unclear.
So far, only nine survivors have been rescued. The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) said they were found drifting at sea by a passing vessel and later brought to safety.
Authorities added that some of the rescued individuals are suspected to have links to human trafficking.
UN agencies have expressed deep concern, calling the tragedy a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Rohingya refugees undertaking risky sea journeys.
They said worsening conditions in refugee camps, limited access to education and livelihoods, and ongoing violence in Rakhine State are forcing many to flee.
The agencies also warned that misinformation and false promises by smuggling networks are luring vulnerable people into life-threatening journeys.
