Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Capsizing Claims Dozens of Migrants Near Malaysia, Thailand


(MENAFN) At least 13 individuals have been confirmed dead and 13 others rescued on Monday after a boat carrying numerous migrants, predominantly Rohingya, overturned near the maritime boundary between Malaysia and Thailand.

According to a Malaysian state-run news outlet, Malaysian authorities recovered seven bodies, while Thai officials discovered six more.

"We expect to discover more victims today, as sea current patterns in the search area indicate that they are drifting towards Malaysian waters," Maritime 1st Adm. Romli Mustafa told reporters Monday.

He also mentioned that the search and rescue mission has been enlarged to encompass over 250 square nautical miles.

The migrant group reportedly left Myanmar aboard a large vessel carrying roughly 300 passengers, who were later transferred to three smaller boats.

One of these boats capsized, while the whereabouts of the other two remain unclear, according to media coverage on Sunday.

The Rohingya, a primarily Muslim minority in Myanmar, endure abuse, discrimination, and statelessness, often prompting them to flee the country.

Myanmar has been engulfed by civil conflict since the 2021 military coup, with ongoing ethnic clashes intensifying the humanitarian emergency.

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