Nearly 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, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The agency said more than 6,500 Rohingya attempted the dangerous sea 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, it said.
UNHCR mentioned that 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 highlighted by a recent tragedy in which an overloaded boat departing from Bangladesh sank in rough seas in the Andaman Sea on 26 March.
Around 250 people are believed to be missing. 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 is ready to assist local authorities.
Despite the risks of trafficking, exploitation and death at sea, return to Myanmar voluntarily, safely and with dignity. However, ongoing conflict, persecution and lack of citizenship prospects continue to prevent their return. Many Rohingya continue to attempt the journey. The overcrowded and unsafe boats usually depart from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh or Rakhine State in Myanmar, heading towards Indonesia or Malaysia.
UNHCR said many Rohingya refugees want to return to Myanmar voluntarily, safely and with dignity. However, ongoing conflict, persecution and lack of citizenship prospects continue to prevent their return.
At the same time, a severe funding shortage has reduced humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, while instability in refugee camps and limited access to education and livelihoods are pushing some to take dangerous routes.
The agency has called on countries in the region to save lives by tackling human trafficking networks, addressing the root causes of displacement, expanding safe and legal migration pathways, and strengthening regional cooperation.
More than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers are currently displaced across the region, including about 1.2 million in Bangladesh.
The 2025 Joint Response Plan has so far received only 53 percent of the required funding, highlighting an urgent need for greater international support.