Almost 900 Rohingya refugees were reported dead or missing in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal throughout 2025, marking the most fatal year on record for maritime movements in South and South-East Asia.
According to latest data from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the mortality rate for this route has reached a staggering one in seven, making it the deadliest major maritime path for refugees and migrants in the world.
UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch, briefing the press at the Palais des Nations, noted that over 6,500 Rohingya attempted these perilous crossings in 2025. The trend shows no sign of abating in 2026, with more than 2,800 individuals already undertaking sea journeys between January and 13 April.
Recent tragedies and demographic risks
The high number of missing persons is further underscored by a recent catastrophe in the Andaman Sea. An extremely overcrowded vessel, which departed from Bangladesh on 26 March, reportedly capsized in rough conditions, leaving an estimated 250 people missing.
While nine survivors were rescued on 9 April near the Andaman Islands, the vast majority remain unaccounted for.
UNHCR is currently providing counselling and medical referrals for the survivors while coordinating with local authorities.
Alarmingly, women and children now represent more than half of those attempting these crossings, which typically originate from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh or Rakhine State in Myanmar.
These vessels are frequently unseaworthy and targeted at destinations such as Indonesia or Malaysia.
Funding gaps drive dangerous journeys
The surge in dangerous maritime movements is attributed to a lack of hope and deteriorating conditions. While most refugees wish to return to Myanmar, ongoing conflict, persecution, and a lack of citizenship prospects prevent a safe and dignified return.
In host countries like Bangladesh, which houses 1.2 million of the region’s 1.3 million displaced Rohingya, humanitarian aid has been severely curtailed due to funding shortfalls.
The 2025 Joint Response Plan for Bangladesh was only 53 per cent funded, resulting in reduced aid, limited educational opportunities, and increased insecurity within the camps.
These factors, combined with a lack of livelihoods, are pushing refugees toward exploitation, trafficking, and death at sea.
UNHCR has called for urgent international support, expanded legal pathways, and strengthened regional cooperation to address the root causes of this displacement and to save lives.
