Malaysia boat tragedy reignites concern over rising toll of Rohingya sea exodus
The UN has warned that Southeast Asia risks “another humanitarian disaster” if sea crossings by desperate refugees continue unchecked
Rights groups and international agencies warn the tragedy is a sign of what may lie ahead in the coming months, as calmer seas during the post-monsoon period typically trigger an uptick in maritime departures.
Malaysia’s maritime agency said the capsized boat was one of three vessels carrying around 300 people that had set off from Myanmar’s Buthidaung township several days earlier. Thirteen survivors were rescued off the coast of northern Kedah state, but dozens remain unaccounted for.
Malaysian authorities said late Monday that they had found another five bodies, bringing the confirmed toll to 16. Seven bodies – including that of a child – were recovered over the weekend, while Thai officials said they found four more on Monday, according to Reuters.