Geneva/Songpi, July 24, 2026: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have expressed deep concern over reports that two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent days.
According to a joint statement issued on July 16, preliminary information suggests both vessels departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June, carrying mostly Rohingya passengers, including some who had reportedly travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
The agencies said one boat, believed to be carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure. A second boat, reportedly carrying some 280 people, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, IOM and UNHCR said they are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life.
The agencies noted that these journeys took place outside the regular sailing season, when maritime conditions in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal are typically more hazardous. Recent torrential rain and flooding across the region have further increased the risks associated with such sea movements.
If verified, this tragedy would add to the nearly 300 people already reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal so far this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.
The reports underscore the devastating impact of protracted conflict and displacement, as well as the continued lack of sustainable solutions for Rohingya communities, the statement said. Escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, along with limited assistance and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, are pushing increasing numbers of people to attempt perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection.
The incidents also highlight the persistent risks posed by smuggling and trafficking networks, which continue to exploit the desperation of people seeking safety, IOM and UNHCR said.
The two UN agencies called for stronger regional and international efforts to prevent further loss of life along one of the world’s deadliest maritime routes, including enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and decisive action against smuggling and trafficking networks.
While recognizing Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees for many years, UNHCR and IOM called for sustained international support for Rohingya refugees and host communities, alongside greater efforts to address the root causes of forced displacement.
Both agencies said they are working with national authorities to strengthen protection and solutions for refugees, migrants, and stateless people moving along key routes in South and South-East Asia through a “route-based approach” aimed at saving lives, protecting people, reducing harm, and supporting states in managing mixed movements.
For more information, the agencies have directed queries to IOM’s Media Centre and UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok.
