Malaysian authorities have recovered at least seven bodies after a boat carrying undocumented migrants capsized near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime border, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The vessel, believed to be part of a larger group of around 300 migrants who left Myanmar, overturned near Thailand’s Tarutao Island, north of Malaysia’s Langkawi. According to Kedah state police chief Adzli Abu Shah, the boat was carrying nearly 90 people when it sank.
Romli Mustafa, director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Kedah and Perlis, said that three survivors and six bodies were pulled from the waters around Langkawi on Sunday, bringing the death toll to seven. Thirteen people have been rescued so far.
The victims retrieved on Sunday included a young girl and five women. Another body found on Saturday is believed to belong to a Rohingya woman from Myanmar, according to local media.
Search and rescue operations paused for the night and will resume Monday, with authorities warning that more survivors—or victims—may still be found. Officials believe the vessel may have sunk three days earlier.
Two additional boats, also carrying migrants from the same group of 300 people who departed Myanmar, have been reported missing. Investigators say the migrants initially boarded a larger ship that transported them close to Malaysian waters. Near the border, they were instructed to board three smaller boats, each holding about 100 people.
the MarineMMEA and Marine Police have been ordered to intensify efforts to locate the missing vessels.
Malaysia, a relatively wealthier nation, hosts millions of migrant workers—many undocumented—largely employed in construction and agriculture. However, dangerous sea journeys arranged by human trafficking networks often end in deadly accidents.
Romli warned that cross-border trafficking syndicates have become increasingly active, exploiting vulnerable migrants and charging up to $3,500 per person for risky sea crossings. Malaysia has witnessed several deadly incidents, including a particularly tragic month in December 2021, when more than 20 migrants drowned in multiple boat capsizings.
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