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Rohingya Shipwreck Toll Rises to 32, With 42 Feared Dead in Separate Libya Capsize

UN agencies press for stronger rescue capacity after back-to-back mass casualties at sea.

Overview

  • Malaysian and Thai teams recovered more bodies near Langkawi and Tarutao, bringing the Andaman Sea death toll to 32, with 14 survivors confirmed.
  • Malaysia’s home minister said crews are focused on finding anyone still alive as at least 12 vessels search about 250 square nautical miles in rough weather.
  • Officials estimate roughly 70 people were on the Rohingya boat after departing Myanmar’s Rakhine state on a larger vessel that split near Malaysia, and a second boat remains missing.
  • In a separate incident, the IOM reported a rubber boat that left Zuwara capsized near Libya’s Al Buri oilfield, with 42 people missing and presumed dead and seven rescued after six days adrift.
  • UNHCR, IOM and Amnesty International called for coordinated assistance, protection from forced return and safer routes, noting about 5,300 Rohingya sea journeys this year with over 600 missing or dead.