More than 500 feared dead after Rohingya boats reportedly capsize off Myanmar

More than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya passengers reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent weeks, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).

In a joint statement issued on 16 July, the two UN agencies said they were deeply concerned by reports that the vessels, carrying a combined total of more than 500 people, may have sunk after departing Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June.

Preliminary information indicates that the passengers were predominantly Rohingya, including some who had travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar in neighbouring Bangladesh. More than one million Rohingya refugees currently live in camps in the district after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar.

According to the UN agencies, one of the boats, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after leaving shore. A second vessel, reportedly carrying about 280 passengers, is believed to have sunk off the coast of Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady region on 8 July.

The incidents and the number of casualties have not yet been officially confirmed. However, IOM and UNHCR warned of the potentially severe loss of life if the reports are verified.

The agencies noted that the journeys took place outside the regular sailing season, when sea conditions are generally more dangerous. Heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across parts of South and South-East Asia in recent weeks are also believed to have increased the risks faced by those travelling by sea.

If confirmed, the disaster would significantly increase the number of deaths and disappearances recorded this year along the maritime route through the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

According to the UN agencies, nearly 300 people have already been reported missing or dead in those waters in 2026, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.

The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim minority from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Hundreds of thousands have fled the country over the past decade, particularly following a military crackdown in 2017 that prompted a mass exodus into Bangladesh.

UNHCR and IOM said the latest reports highlight the continuing effects of conflict, displacement and limited opportunities facing Rohingya communities.

The agencies pointed to escalating conflict and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Myanmar, as well as restricted assistance and prospects in refugee camps in Bangladesh, as factors contributing to dangerous sea journeys undertaken by people seeking safety and protection.

The agencies also warned about the role of smuggling and human trafficking networks, which continue to exploit vulnerable people attempting to leave their homes in search of better conditions.

They called for stronger regional and international cooperation to prevent further loss of life on what has become one of the world’s deadliest maritime migration routes.

The measures urged by the agencies include enhanced search-and-rescue operations, access to asylum and protection for those fleeing persecution, and stronger action against smuggling and trafficking networks.

While acknowledging Bangladesh’s long-standing role in hosting Rohingya refugees, IOM and UNHCR appealed for sustained international support for both refugees and host communities. They also stressed the need to address the underlying causes of forced displacement in the region.

The two agencies said they are continuing to work with governments across South and South-East Asia to improve protection for refugees, migrants and stateless people moving along key migration routes.

Their route-based approach seeks to save lives, reduce harm and support countries in managing mixed migration movements more effectively.