BANGKOK – The death toll from a migrant boat tragedy near the Thailand-Malaysia border has climbed to 11, international news agencies reported on Monday.
Officials confirmed that around 70 people were on board the ill-fated vessel when it capsized. So far, 11 bodies have been recovered, while 13 survivors have been rescued alive. The death toll may rise as dozens remain missing.
According to Thai authorities, four bodies — including two children — were recovered from Thai waters, while Malaysia’s Maritime Agency retrieved seven others. A coordinated search and rescue operation involving both nations continues as divers and coast guards work to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities also revealed that another vessel carrying approximately 230 people has gone missing in the same region. Search teams have been dispatched to track its whereabouts amid growing concern for passenger safety.
Last month, a similar incident occurred off the coast of Sirte, Libya, where a boat carrying migrants capsized, claiming the lives of 18 people. Ninety others were rescued, including 12 Pakistani nationals.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Libyan boat capsized just hours after setting sail, likely due to rough seas and poor weather conditions. The survivors included 29 Sudanese men, one Sudanese woman, one child, 18 Bangladeshi men, and 3 Somalis.
IOM described the Mediterranean crossing as one of the “most dangerous routes” for migrants. So far this year, 1,046 people have either died or gone missing while attempting the perilous journey, with 527 fatalities recorded near Libya alone.
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Rescue officials said they are working with local agencies to provide immediate medical care and humanitarian aid to survivors. The rising death toll highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by migrants risking their lives at sea in search of safety and opportunity.
