More than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying refugees reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar, according to a joint statement issued on Thursday by two United Nations agencies.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said preliminary information indicates that the vessels left Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, transporting mostly Rohingya passengers. The agencies added that some of those onboard had reportedly travelled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
"According to preliminary information, the two vessels departed from Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June carrying mostly Rohingya passengers, reportedly including some who had travelled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh," the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency said in a joint statement, saying more than 500 were feared dead.
"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."
For years, members of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority have undertaken dangerous sea crossings in fragile wooden boats, fleeing violence in their homeland and the harsh conditions inside overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Many attempt the hazardous journey in the hope of reaching countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand.
According to the UN agencies, the first vessel, carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after setting sail. A second boat, with approximately 280 people onboard, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
"These journeys took place outside the regular sailing season, when maritime conditions are typically more hazardous," the statement said.
The agencies also reported that nearly 300 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, have been reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal so far this year.
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