More than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees are believed to have capsized off the coast of Myanmar, according to the United Nations.
The vessels, which reportedly left Myanmar's western Rakhine State in late June, were carrying families fleeing conflict, persecution and worsening humanitarian conditions. Some of those on board are understood to have travelled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, before attempting the dangerous journey across the Andaman Sea.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the scale of the tragedy was still being established but warned that hundreds of lives may have been lost.
"According to preliminary information, the two vessels departed from Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June carrying mostly Rohingya passengers, reportedly including some who had travelled from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh," the agencies said.
They added that "more than 500" people were feared dead.
The UN said the first boat, carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after leaving Myanmar. A second vessel, believed to have been carrying approximately 280 people, is thought to have sunk off the coast of Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region on 8 July.
The incidents and the reported death toll have not yet been officially confirmed.
"While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life," the agencies said.
For years, members of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority have embarked on dangerous sea crossings in overcrowded wooden boats, driven by violence, persecution and limited prospects for the future.
Many flee the conflict in Myanmar or the harsh conditions inside sprawling refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, hoping to reach countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, where they believe greater safety and opportunities await.
The latest crossings took place despite unusually dangerous conditions.
"These journeys took place outside the regular sailing season, when maritime conditions are typically more hazardous," the UN statement noted.
The suspected sinkings add to an already growing humanitarian crisis in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, where refugee boats continue to undertake perilous voyages despite the risks.
According to the UN agencies, nearly 300 people - including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals - have already been reported missing or dead in the region this year.
If confirmed, the latest tragedy would rank among the deadliest maritime disasters involving Rohingya refugees in recent years, underlining the desperate choices many continue to face as conflict and displacement leave them with few safe alternatives.
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