At least one person has died and dozens remain missing after a boat carrying around 90 people sank near the Thailand-Malaysia border, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Rescue operations are ongoing.

The Malaysian Maritime Authority reported that at least 10 survivors have been rescued, while the status of two other boats, carrying a similar number of passengers, remains unknown. The incident is believed to have occurred near Tarutao Island, just north of the popular Malaysian resort island of Langkawi.

“A boat carrying 90 people is believed to have capsized,” local police chief Adzli Abu Shah told reporters, adding that search and rescue teams are actively working to locate more survivors.

Among those rescued were three Myanmar nationals, two Rohingya refugees, and a Bangladeshi man. The only body recovered so far has been identified as a Rohingya woman, according to state media agency Bernama.

Authorities reported that the passengers had initially boarded a large vessel but were instructed to transfer onto three smaller boats near the border to avoid detection. Each of these smaller boats reportedly carried around 100 people.

Local reports said that the migrants are believed to have departed from the coast of Myanmar about three days ago. Most are thought to be from the Rohingya minority, seeking to reach Malaysia, where many have relatives and acquaintances.

“The authorities believe this is a commonly used maritime route for migrants attempting to start a new life in Malaysia,” McBride said.

Rescue teams continue to comb the waters in the hope of locating more survivors. (ILKHA)