More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly sank off the coast of Myanmar, prompting concern from United Nations (UN) agencies over what could become one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in the region this year.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said they are assessing the reports while working to verify the details of the incidents.
More than 500 people are feared to have been aboard two boats that reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar.
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) July 16, 2026
Most were Rohingya passengers risking dangerous sea journeys in search of safety. We and IOM are deeply concerned by these reports and call for stronger efforts to… pic.twitter.com/FIvT4T4AfR
Boats reportedly left Rakhine State
In a joint statement, the two agencies said they are “deeply concerned by reports that two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsised off the coast of Myanmar in recent days.”
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According to preliminary information, both vessels departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June. Most of those on board were believed to be Rohingya refugees, including some who had reportedly travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
The agencies said one of the boats, believed to be carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after leaving the coast. A second vessel, reportedly carrying about 280 people, is believed to have sunk near Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8. Together, the two boats are thought to have been carrying more than 530 people.
Investigation underway
According to AP, the UNHCR is investigating the reported shipwrecks and is working to establish the facts surrounding the incidents.
If confirmed, the latest tragedy would significantly increase the number of deaths and disappearances recorded along the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal this year.
The IOM and UNHCR said the reported incidents would add to the nearly 300 people already reported dead or missing in the region during 2026, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.
Call for stronger action
The UN agencies said the incidents highlight the continuing dangers faced by people attempting dangerous sea journeys while fleeing conflict or seeking better opportunities.
They also warned that smuggling and trafficking networks continue to exploit vulnerable people trying to reach safety.
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In their joint statement, the agencies called for stronger regional and international cooperation, including improved search and rescue operations, better access to asylum and protection, and stronger action against human trafficking and smuggling networks to prevent further loss of life on one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.
FAQs:
Who were on board the boats that reportedly sank off Myanmar?
The boats were carrying mostly Rohingya refugees, including some from camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
What has the UN said about the incident?
The IOM and UNHCR said they are investigating the reports and verifying details while calling for stronger rescue and protection measures.
