More than 500 feared dead after boats carrying refugees sink off Myanmar coast, UN says

UN agencies have expressed grave concern over the potential capsizing of two boats carrying more than 500 people, primarily from Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority, off the coast of Myanmar in recent days. The refugees were attempting perilous maritime journeys in search of safety and better opportunities.

According to preliminary information from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the two vessels departed from Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June. Some passengers reportedly traveled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The agencies stated that while the exact incidents and casualty figures are yet to be officially confirmed, they fear a devastating loss of life.

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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 traveled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

The first boat, with around 250 people on board, lost contact shortly after departure. A second vessel, believed to be carrying approximately 280 people, is thought to have sunk off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8. These journeys occurred outside the regular sailing season, when maritime conditions are typically more hazardous.

Rohingya Muslims have for years risked their lives on flimsy wooden vessels due to violence and desperate conditions in refugee camps. This year alone, nearly 300 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, are reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The UN agencies are monitoring the situation closely.

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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.