Over 500 Rohingya Feared Dead After Two Boats Sink Off Myanmar Coast

The IOM and UNHCR reported on July 16, 2026, that two boats carrying more than 500 people, mostly Rohingya, are feared to have capsized off Myanmar's coast. The vessels departed Rakhine State in late June. With more than a week elapsed since the second boat reportedly sank on July 8, the agencies say the rescue window has effectively closed. Casualty figures remain unconfirmed. Over 300 had already died or gone missing in regional waters this year.