by Hafizur Rahman
July 8, 2026
A boat carrying Rohingya people to Malaysia reportedly capsized in the Bay of Bengal at around 10:00 p.m. on June 29, leaving an estimated 250 people feared dead, according to local sources.
Sources said the vessel sank during the journey and that no survivors have been reported. They also said several bodies have reportedly washed ashore near a nearby village. Rohingya Khobor has not been able to independently verify these reports.
According to local sources, all of the passengers were from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Most were reportedly from northern Arakan, including Pauktaw, while others came from Rathidaung, Buthidaung, and Sittwe Township.
Local sources said many people from Rathidaung and Buthidaung travel to Sanda Mat and Pauktaw before attempting the sea journey to Malaysia. They also alleged that brokers linked to the Arakan Army (AA) facilitate some of these journeys in exchange for payment. Rohingya Khobor has not independently verified these allegations.
At the time of publication, there was no confirmed information indicating that any Rohingya refugees from the camps in Bangladesh were among those on board.
Although the incident reportedly occurred on June 29, information only emerged days later because communication from the area remains severely limited.
The reported sinking underscores the continuing risks faced by Rohingya who undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better living conditions.
