Trawler with 250 Rohingyas and Bangladeshis capsizes in Andaman Sea
UNHCR and IOM express deep sorrow over the incident
About 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, are feared missing after a trawler capsized in the Andaman Sea while en route to Malaysia.
According to a joint statement by the UNHCR and IOM, the vessel reportedly departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and sank amid heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowded conditions.
The incident came to light after nine survivors were rescued from the sea.
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In a press release, the Bangladesh Coast Guard said, Bangladesh-flagged vessel, MT Meghna Pride, spotted several people floating in the deep sea near the Andaman Islands around 1pm on 9 April while en route from Chattogram to Indonesia.
The crew carried out a rescue operation and managed to save nine Bangladeshi nationals, eight men and one woman, alive.
Later, at around 2am, the rescued individuals were handed over to the Coast Guard vessel Mansur Ali, which was on patrol in deep waters, the release said.
The UN agencies said the incident underscores the worsening risks faced by Rohingya refugees, driven by prolonged displacement and a lack of durable solutions.
"Ongoing violence in Rakhine state has faded hopes of safe return in the near future, while shrinking humanitarian assistance, challenging living conditions in refugee camps, and limited access to education and livelihoods are pushing refugees to take such dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and opportunity," the statement added.
It said that the promise of better economic opportunities abroad, often fuelled by misinformation from smuggling networks, is compelling both Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals to take dangerous risks.
These circumstances, the agencies warned, are being exploited by traffickers and smugglers, putting lives in grave danger.
Describing the incident as a stark reminder of ongoing humanitarian challenges, the agencies urged the international community to strengthen support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and assist host communities.
They also called for renewed efforts to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and to create conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.
"Without collective action, more lives will be lost at sea and along dangerous migration routes," the statement said.
