Sydney, July 14: The United Nations refugee agency has launched an investigation into reports that two boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsized in the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns over possible loss of lives.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the boats reportedly departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine state in late June before sinking. The agency said it was working to verify further details but did not disclose the number of people believed to be onboard or the exact location of the incident.
“We are deeply concerned by the potential loss of life and are working to verify further details,” UNHCR said in a statement.
Around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar.
The UN agency said worsening conditions, reduced foreign aid and ongoing conflict in Rakhine have forced more Rohingya to attempt dangerous sea journeys towards Malaysia on unsafe boats.
UNHCR urged countries to strengthen search and rescue efforts, calling saving lives at sea a humanitarian responsibility under international maritime law.
According to UN figures, more than 6,500 Rohingya fled by boat and nearly 900 were reported dead or missing in 2025, making it the deadliest year for Rohingya sea movements. More than 5,400 Rohingya have attempted the journey so far this year, with around 540 reported dead or missing.
