Nigeria TV Info – International News

11 Rohingya Refugees Confirmed Dead as Boat Sinks Near Thailand–Malaysia Border; Dozens Still Missing

At least 11 Rohingya refugees have been confirmed dead after a wooden boat carrying about 70 people capsized near the Thailand–Malaysia maritime border, authorities said on Monday. Dozens more are still missing as joint search and rescue operations continue, with hopes fading of finding additional survivors.

The passengers were part of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority, many of whom embark on dangerous sea journeys each year to escape conflict, discrimination, and dire living conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency said 13 survivors—mostly Rohingya—have been rescued so far. Four bodies, including two children, were recovered by Thai authorities, while Malaysian teams retrieved seven earlier, bringing the confirmed death toll to 11.

Both Malaysia and Thailand have deployed helicopters, patrol boats, and coastal surveillance teams near Langkawi Island, a common landing point for Rohingya migrants.

“We have strong coordination with Thai agencies, allowing faster information exchange and wider search coverage,” said Romli Mustafa, director of Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency in Kedah and Perlis.

Preliminary investigations suggest the ill-fated vessel may have set sail from Myanmar’s border region near Bangladesh around two weeks ago. Some passengers were believed to have transferred to another boat during the journey, raising concerns that more unreported casualties may exist.

Rights groups have repeatedly warned that the Rohingya continue to risk their lives at sea due to worsening humanitarian conditions, tightening restrictions in refugee camps, and limited opportunities for safe asylum.

Search and rescue efforts remain ongoing. Authorities say the number of missing persons could rise as more information becomes available.