Nearly 250 migrants are missing following a shipwreck in the Andaman Sea
- Houda El Hadi
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Series : The Root Causes of Migration
Around 250 people are believed to have died or gone missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to the International Organisation for Migration.
The trawler, which had set sail from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh, was on its way to Malaysia when it sank on 9 April. According to the information available, strong winds, rough seas and the boat being overloaded are believed to have caused the tragedy.
The Rohingya are a Muslim minority from Rakhine State in Myanmar who have experienced prolonged displacement, with many living in refugee camps in Bangladesh under precarious conditions and with limited access to basic services and livelihoods.
The IOM stresses that this tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by people who undertake perilous sea crossings in an attempt to find safety and better prospects. Its spokesperson, Mohammedali Abunajela, points out that many have no choice but to risk their lives in the face of extremely difficult living conditions.
The shipwreck highlights a wider issue: the prolonged displacement of the Rohingya and the lack of durable solutions. Conditions in the camps remain precarious, with limited access to services and livelihoods, against a backdrop of declining humanitarian aid. Furthermore, concerns regarding the security situation in Rakhine State as well as uncertainties about a safe and dignified return, continue to weigh heavily. These factors drive some people to undertake dangerous journeys, often facilitated by smuggling and trafficking networks that exploit their vulnerability.
Faced with this situation, the IOM reiterates that rescue at sea is a humanitarian obligation and calls on States in the region to step up search and rescue operations, whilst ensuring the swift and safe disembarkation of those rescued, in accordance with international maritime law.
Despite insufficient funding, the organisation says it is continuing to work with its partners to provide vital aid to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and support host communities, whilst collaborating with the authorities to combat human trafficking networks.
Finally, it calls on the international community to strengthen its solidarity, maintain funding and address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar, in order to enable a safe and dignified return.
The full report can be found here :
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