Record 900 Rohingya dead or missing at sea in 2025: UNHCR

About 900 Rohingya refugees died or went missing in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record for sea crossings in South and Southeast Asia, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has said.

More than 6,500 Rohingya attempted the dangerous journey during the year, with around one in seven reported dead or missing.

 This marks the highest death toll recorded on any major maritime route used by refugees and migrants worldwide.

More than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers are currently displaced across the region, including about 1.2 million in Bangladesh.

UNHCR said more than half of those attempting the journey in recent years have been women and children, a trend that has continued into 2026. Between January and April 13 this year, more than 2,800 Rohingya have already attempted the crossing.

The dangers were underscored by a recent tragedy in which an overloaded boat departing from Bangladesh sank in rough seas in the Andaman Sea on March 26. Around 250 people are believed to be missing, while nine survivors were later rescued near the Andaman Islands on 9 April. UNHCR said it is providing medical, psychological and counselling support to survivors and stands ready to assist local authorities.