Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Thailand-Malaysia, 21 Confirmed Dead

Picture courtesy of Naewna

At least 21 people have died after a boat carrying undocumented migrants, mostly Rohingya, sank near the Thai-Malaysian border last week, officials confirmed on 11 November 2025. Malaysian authorities believe around 70 people were on the vessel, which capsized off the resort island of Langkawi. Rescue operations over the past three days have saved 13 survivors, while dozens remain missing.

The migrants had initially travelled on a larger boat carrying approximately 300 people from Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar, including Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals. Human traffickers reportedly transferred the passengers onto three smaller vessels as they approached Malaysian waters. One of these smaller boats, carrying around 70 passengers, broke apart and sank, leading to the current fatalities and missing persons.

Malaysian coastguard officials reported recovering five additional bodies near Langkawi, raising the confirmed death toll. Thai authorities also found nine bodies in waters under Thai jurisdiction, with seven recovered on Sunday and two on Monday. Two other boats carrying roughly 230 migrants remain unaccounted for.

Human trafficking gangs reportedly charged each migrant approximately 100,000 bah for passage, with some paying by selling everything. UN agencies estimate that 51,000 Rohingya attempted sea journeys from Myanmar and Bangladesh between January and early November 2025, with around 600 dying or going missing at sea. Survivors included 11 Rohingya and two Bangladeshi nationals, with at least one child among the deceased.

Amnesty International highlighted the tragedy as part of the ongoing dangers faced by Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar and harsh conditions in Bangladeshi refugee camps. Authorities expect the search and rescue operation, which includes aerial and sea patrols, to continue for up to seven days. Many migrants risk overcrowded and poorly equipped vessels in the hope of reaching Malaysia, sometimes preferring the uncertainty at sea to the dangers at home.

Key Takeaways

• A boat carrying around 70 undocumented migrants capsized near Langkawi, killing at least 21 people.

• Survivors included 11 Rohingya and two Bangladeshi nationals, while dozens remain missing.

• Human trafficking and unsafe vessels continue to pose severe risks for Rohingya fleeing Myanmar.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-11-12