Around 250 people are feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to a joint statement by UN agencies.
The vessel, reportedly carrying men, women and children, is believed to have sunk due to rough weather conditions, strong winds and overcrowding. It had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was heading towards Malaysia.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Organization for Migration described the incident as a tragic reminder of the risks faced by displaced communities seeking safety.
For years, Rohingya refugees have undertaken dangerous sea journeys to reach countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, fleeing persecution and difficult living conditions.
UN agencies have urged the international community to increase support and funding for humanitarian assistance to refugees and host communities.