Migrant boat sinks off Malaysian coast: hundreds missing
World
A migrant boat carrying refugees from Myanmar has sunk off the coast of Malaysia near the Thai border, Reuters reports. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead, several rescued, and hundreds remain missing.
According to initial reports, the refugees were being transported by smugglers who transferred them from a larger vessel to three smaller boats as they approached the Malaysian coastline, hoping to avoid detection by the coast guard.
Each of the boats carried around 100 passengers. One of them sank shortly after departure, while the fate of the other two remains unknown.
Most of the passengers are believed to be Rohingya Muslims fleeing ongoing violence and persecution in Myanmar.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from both Malaysia and Thailand taking part. Authorities warn that the chances of finding survivors are diminishing as time passes.
Each of the boats carried around 100 passengers. One of them sank shortly after departure, while the fate of the other two remains unknown.
Most of the passengers are believed to be Rohingya Muslims fleeing ongoing violence and persecution in Myanmar.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from both Malaysia and Thailand taking part. Authorities warn that the chances of finding survivors are diminishing as time passes.
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