A tragic maritime incident has been reported in the Andaman Sea, where a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized, leaving more than 250 people missing. Authorities have launched extensive search and rescue operations, with concerns growing over the fate of those onboard, including several children.

According to a joint statement issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration, the vessel had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was en route to Malaysia. Officials indicated that adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves, may have contributed to the disaster.

Preliminary assessments suggest that the boat was overcrowded, which could have further increased the risk of capsizing. The vessel reportedly began its journey on April 4 as part of a desperate attempt by refugees to seek better living conditions.

Many of the passengers were Rohingya refugees who had previously fled Myanmar during the 2017 crisis and sought shelter in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. With living conditions deteriorating in recent times, many refugees have increasingly turned to dangerous sea routes in hopes of reaching safer destinations.

Rescue teams continue to search the waters, while international agencies have expressed deep concern over the recurring risks faced by vulnerable migrant populations undertaking perilous journeys across the sea.