More Than 500 Feared Dead After Two Refugee Boats Reportedly Capsize Off Myanmar

Two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees are feared to have disappeared or sunk off the coast of Myanmar, leaving more than 500 people feared dead, according to preliminary information released by two United Nations agencies.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said they were deeply concerned by reports that the two vessels, carrying a combined total of more than 500 passengers, may have capsized in separate incidents in recent days.

According to the agencies, the boats departed from Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Rakhine State in late June. Most of those onboard were believed to be members of the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority, many of whom continue to flee violence, discrimination, and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Some passengers were also reported to have travelled from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, home to more than one million Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded camps after escaping military operations in Myanmar over the past several years.

Preliminary reports indicate that one vessel, carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after leaving shore. A second boat, believed to have been transporting approximately 280 passengers, reportedly sank off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.

While authorities have yet to officially confirm the incidents or casualty figures, the UN agencies warned that the potential scale of the tragedy is alarming.

“While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the joint statement said.

The organisations also noted that the voyages took place outside the normal sailing season, when rougher seas significantly increase the danger of maritime travel. Heavy rainfall and flooding across the region in recent weeks are believed to have further heightened the risks.

The latest incident underscores the desperate measures many Rohingya continue to take in search of safety and better living conditions. With limited access to education, employment, and legal protection in both Myanmar and refugee camps in Bangladesh, many attempt dangerous sea crossings despite the life-threatening conditions.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for stronger regional cooperation to protect refugees and expand safe, legal pathways for displaced populations.

If confirmed, the twin shipwrecks would rank among the deadliest maritime disasters involving Rohingya refugees in recent years, underscoring the grave risks they continue to face at sea.