Dhaka, 15 April 2026 – Around 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, are reported missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to the United Nations. In a joint statement, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and International Organization for Migration said the trawler, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh, was heading towards Malaysia when it sank amid heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowded conditions. The agencies expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by displaced populations undertaking perilous sea journeys in search of safety and better opportunities. They noted that the ongoing crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has dimmed prospects for the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees. At the same time, reduced humanitarian assistance, difficult living conditions in refugee camps, and limited access to education and livelihoods continue to push many to risk dangerous migration routes. According to the statement, the promise of better wages abroad—often fuelled by misinformation from smuggling networks—has led both Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals to undertake risky sea voyages, making them vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. UNHCR and IOM warned that the Andaman Sea has become a recurring site of such tragedies, as increasing numbers of people attempt these hazardous crossings. The agencies urged the international community to strengthen support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the host communities, and to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar. They emphasized that without urgent and coordinated global action, more lives could be lost along dangerous migration routes.