A tragic maritime incident occurred near the Thailand-Malaysia border, where a migrant vessel sank, leaving hundreds missing. On Sunday, the Malaysian maritime authority reported that ten survivors and one body had been recovered from the waters. The vessel, which departed from Buthidaung, Myanmar, was carrying approximately 300 people when it sank.
First Admiral Romli Mustafa, the director of the maritime authority for the northern Malaysian states of Kedah and Perlis, indicated that more victims could still be discovered at sea three days following the sinking. Among the survivors found off the coast of Langkawi were three men from Myanmar, two Rohingya men, and one Bangladeshi man. The body recovered belonged to a Rohingya woman, as reported by state media outlet Bernama, which cited Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah.
The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, have faced significant persecution in Myanmar, where they are often regarded as foreign intruders and are denied citizenship. Many members of this community frequently attempt to flee the country in search of safety and better living conditions.
According to police chief Adzli, the individuals on the ill-fated vessel initially boarded a larger ship. As they approached the border, they were instructed to transfer onto three smaller boats, each carrying around 100 people, in an effort to evade detection by authorities. The current status of the other two boats remains unknown, and search-and-rescue operations are actively underway.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing plight of the Rohingya and the dangers faced by those attempting to escape their circumstances. As authorities continue their search, the international community watches closely, hoping for the safe recovery of the missing individuals.
