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Tragedy Strikes: Migrant Boat Sinks Near Malaysia-Thailand Border, Dozens Feared Missing

A recent maritime disaster leaves dozens of migrants missing and one confirmed dead after a boat capsized near the Malaysia-Thailand border. Search efforts are underway amidst growing concerns for the Rohingya community fleeing persecution.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Tragedy Strikes: Migrant Boat Sinks Near Malaysia-Thailand Border, Dozens Feared Missing
Image via bbc.co.uk

In brief

Dozens are missing, and one woman has died after a boat carrying migrants sank near the southern Thai island of Ko Tarutao. Reports indicate the boat capsized while the group was attempting to reach Malaysia, with 10 survivors rescued so far. The incident underscores the ongoing crisis as many Rohingya and others seek refuge from extreme persecution.

Dozens of people are missing and one person has died after a boat carrying migrants sank near the border between Thailand and Malaysia.

The vessel is believed to have capsized near the southern Thai island of Ko Tarutao on Thursday, the Malaysian Coast Guard said.

Ten people have been rescued and the body of a woman was found floating in the sea.

Maritime officials believe the victims are part of a group of about 300 people who had been travelling on a larger vessel before splitting onto small boats as they approached Malaysia.

Those rescued near the Malaysian resort of Langkawi include three Myanmar men, two Rohingya men, and one Bangladeshi man, according to Malaysia's state-run agency Bernama.

The body found in the water was that of a Rohingya woman, the report added.

Efforts to look for more survivors are ongoing.

The mostly Muslim Rohingya community has fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar in large numbers in recent years to escape persecution.

Conflict and conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh have also continued to push vulnerable people onto overcrowded vessels as they seek a better life in Malaysia.

Officials say many of those fleeing would have paid more than $3,000 (£2,300) for passage.

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