More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent weeks, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said in a joint statement on Thursday.

The vessels departed Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, carrying predominantly Rohingya passengers, including some who had reportedly traveled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, according to preliminary information released by the two UN agencies.

Reportedly, one vessel, carrying approximately 250 people, reportedly lost contact shortly after setting sail. A second boat, with around 280 people on board, is believed to have capsized off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.

The UN agencies warned that, if confirmed, the latest incidents would mark one of the deadliest maritime tragedies involving Rohingya refugees in recent years.

"If verified, this tragedy would add to the nearly 300 people reported to be missing or to have lost their lives in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal so far this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals," the joint statement said.

Dangerous Journeys Continue

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority primarily from Myanmar's Rakhine State, have endured years of persecution and displacement. Following a military crackdown in 2017, more than 1.2 million Rohingya fled across the border into Bangladesh, where many continue to live in overcrowded refugee camps under difficult humanitarian conditions.

According to UNHCR estimates, around 6,500 Rohingya attempted dangerous sea crossings during 2025 in search of better living conditions and protection. Nearly 900 Rohingya have already been reported missing or dead while attempting similar voyages across the northern Indian Ocean in 2026.

Many refugees undertake the hazardous journeys in overcrowded and poorly equipped fishing boats operated by human smuggling and trafficking networks, hoping to reach countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand.

Thousands of Rohingya refugees have arrived in Indonesia's Aceh province in recent years after crossing more than 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) of open sea, with journeys often lasting from two weeks to more than a month depending on weather conditions and the state of the vessels.

Smuggling Networks Exploit Vulnerable Refugees

The IOM and UNHCR noted the reported incidents underscore the ongoing dangers posed by human trafficking and smuggling networks that continue to exploit vulnerable people seeking safety.

"The reported incidents also highlight the persistent risks posed by smuggling and trafficking networks, which continue to exploit the desperation of people seeking safety," the agencies said.

They stated that both vessels departed outside the regular sailing season, when sea conditions are significantly more dangerous.

July marks the peak of the southwest monsoon in the Andaman Sea, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas. Recent torrential rains and widespread flooding across the region have further increased the risks faced by those attempting the crossing.

UN Calls for Greater Protection

While the reported incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially verified, both UNHCR and IOM expressed grave concern over the potential scale of the disaster.

The agencies said escalating conflict inside Myanmar, worsening humanitarian conditions, and limited opportunities for refugees living in camps in Bangladesh continue to drive increasing numbers of Rohingya to undertake perilous sea journeys in search of safety, protection, and a better future.

They renewed calls for stronger regional cooperation to combat human trafficking, expand protection for refugees, and provide safe and legal pathways for those fleeing persecution and conflict. (ILKHA)