Over 500 feared dead after two Rohingya refugee boats capsize

Recent torrential rain and flooding across the region made the sea journey especially risky, the agencies said. Rohingya typically avoid such boat trips during the monsoon season.

Steep cuts to foreign aid by the U.S. and other countries have led to ration cuts in Bangladesh's camps. Fighting between Myanmar's ruling military and an ethnic armed group in Rakhine has also driven more Rohingya to attempt the dangerous crossing to Malaysia on rickety boats. Thousands have died in the process, including babies, children and pregnant women. Local maritime authorities have frequently abandoned Rohingya at sea, often ignoring reports of boats in distress.

More than 6,500 Rohingya fled by boat in 2025, and nearly 900 were reported dead or missing, the UNHCR said. That year had the highest mortality rate of any major sea route for refugees and migrants globally.

The IOM and UNHCR called on the international community to support Rohingya trapped in Bangladesh's camps. "Stronger regional and international efforts are needed to prevent further loss of life along one of the world's deadliest maritime routes, including through enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks," the agencies said.