Boat Capsizes in Andaman Sea, Hundreds Missing

A boat carrying approximately 280 people capsized in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Bangladesh. Nine individuals were rescued, leaving approximately 250 others missing.

The vessel, described as a trawler, departed from southern Bangladesh on April 4 and was reportedly en route to Malaysia. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated the passengers included Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.

The Incident and Rescue

According to the UNHCR, the boat reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard reported that one of its ships, en route to Indonesia, conducted the rescue operation on April 9 in deep waters near the Andaman Islands.

• Coast Guard spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan stated that crew members spotted people floating using drums and logs.
• Nine people, including one woman, were rescued from the sea.

Survivor Account

One of the rescued survivors, Rafiqul Islam, provided an account of the journey to the AFP news agency.

His statements include:

• He was promised a job in Malaysia by individuals he described as traffickers.
• Passengers were kept in a holding area on the trawler, where some individuals died.
• He reported being burned by spilled oil.
• The boat capsized on the fourth day at sea.
• Survivors floated for nearly 36 hours before being rescued.

According to a report from Turkey's Andalou news agency, six of the nine rescued individuals were alleged to be involved in trafficking and have been detained by police.

Background and Context

Authorities believe the passengers on the boat were likely departing from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, where over one million Rohingya refugees reside.

• The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group from Myanmar.
• The UNHCR notes that thousands of Rohingya people undertake risky sea journeys each year.
• The Andaman Sea is located along the western shores of Myanmar, Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula.

This incident follows a similar event last year, when a boat carrying approximately 300 Rohingya refugees sank near the Thai-Malaysian border.

Official Statements

The UNHCR issued a statement on the incident, describing it as reflecting what it called the "dire consequences of protracted displacement and the absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya."

"This tragedy is a reminder of the efforts urgently needed to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and create conditions that would allow Rohingya refugees to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity."