UN investigates reports of two Rohingya refugee boats capsizing
5 reported3 unconfirmed
The United Nations refugee agency is investigating reports that two boats carrying Rohingya refugees from Myanmar have capsized in the Bay of Bengal. The UNHCR stated Tuesday that the boats reportedly departed Myanmar’s western state of Rakhine in late June before sinking. The agency expressed deep concern over potential loss of life and is working to verify further details. The UNHCR declined to release additional information, including the number of people on board or the approximate location of the sinking. The agency called on nations to step up search and rescue efforts, citing a duty under international maritime law. More than 5,400 Rohingya refugees have fled by boat so far this year, with 540 reported missing or dead, according to the UNHCR.
What’s reported
The UNHCR is investigating reports of two boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsizing in the Bay of Bengal.
The boats reportedly departed Myanmar’s Rakhine state in late June before sinking.
The UNHCR declined to release details on the number of people on board or the location of the sinking.
The agency called on nations to increase search and rescue efforts, citing international maritime law.
More than 5,400 Rohingya refugees have fled by boat so far this year, with 540 reported missing or dead.
Open questions
The exact number of Rohingya believed to be on the two boats.
The precise location where the boats sank.
Whether any survivors have been found.
Key figures
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – cited as the investigating agency.
Sources: abcnews.com
