In a tragic turn of events, Malaysian rescuers have recovered five more bodies from the waters off northern Langkawi island, bringing the death toll to 12 after a boat carrying migrants from Myanmar capsized last week. The bodies, including those of two men, two women, and a boy, were found near the Thailand border, according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. First Admiral Romli Mustafa stated that approximately 70 people were on board the ill-fated vessel, based on survivors’ accounts. So far, 13 individuals have been rescued, leaving dozens still unaccounted for. Officials revealed that the migrants were part of a larger group of around 300 people who departed from Buthidaung in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Upon nearing Malaysia, the passengers were reportedly divided into three smaller boats, one of which sank near Tarutao island in southern Thailand last Thursday. The exact timing and location of the incident remain unclear, and the fate of the other two boats is still unknown. Malaysian rescuers, aided by air surveillance, expanded their search area on Monday and will continue their efforts on Tuesday. Authorities have identified some of the survivors as Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority in Myanmar. Malaysia, with its predominantly Malay Muslim population, has historically been a destination for Rohingya seeking refuge. However, the country has recently tightened its borders, turning away boats carrying refugees to prevent a mass influx. Currently, around 117,670 Rohingya are registered with the U.N.’s refugee agency in Malaysia, constituting 59% of the country’s total refugee population.
Rescuers searching for missing migrants after boat sinks off Malaysia recover 5 more bodies
