Summary
Authorities in Malaysia and Thailand have found at least 21 bodies after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees sank near Ko Tarutao island. The boat was carrying about 70 people when it capsized after leaving Myanmar's Rakhine state. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Key Facts
- A boat carrying about 70 Rohingya refugees sank near Ko Tarutao island, just north of Malaysia's Langkawi Island.
- At least 21 bodies have been recovered by Malaysian and Thai authorities.
- The refugees were fleeing Myanmar, departing from Rakhine state.
- The group was originally part of a larger gathering of around 300 people spread across at least two boats.
- Thirteen survivors have been rescued in Malaysian waters since the incident occurred.
- Search and rescue operations are expected to continue for seven days.
- Over 5,100 Rohingya have attempted to flee Myanmar and Bangladesh by sea this year, with nearly 600 reported dead or missing.
- Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority country, denies allegations of abuse against the Rohingya minority.
