One Dead, Dozens Missing After Migrant Boat Sinks off Malaysian Coast
A tragic maritime accident off the coast of Malaysia has left at least one person dead and dozens missing after a boat carrying Rohingya migrants capsized in rough seas near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime border.
Authorities said the wooden vessel, carrying more than 100 people, went down north of Langkawi Island. Thirteen survivors have been rescued so far, while search operations continue for the missing passengers. Rescue teams are expanding their search area as two additional boats that departed at the same time are still unaccounted for.
Officials believe the group was part of a larger convoy of boats that left Myanmar’s Rakhine State several days ago, attempting to reach Malaysia in search of safety and better living conditions. Many of the migrants are believed to be members of the Rohingya minority, who continue to flee persecution and statelessness in their homeland.
Investigators suspect that human-trafficking syndicates arranged the voyage, charging desperate refugees thousands of dollars each for the dangerous journey across the Andaman Sea.
Maritime authorities have vowed to intensify search and rescue efforts and increase patrols to combat trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable migrants across Southeast Asia’s waters.
The incident underscores the growing humanitarian crisis facing Rohingya refugees, as hundreds risk their lives each year attempting to reach safer shores across treacherous sea routes.
