At least seven dead after migrant boat capsizes near Malaysia-Thailand border

Malaysian authorities have recovered at least seven bodies following the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants near the Thai border, officials said Sunday.

The vessel, believed to be carrying undocumented migrants from Myanmar, was part of a larger group of around 300 people who had split among several boats. Kedah state police chief Adzli Abu Shah told Malaysian media that the capsized boat near Thailand’s Tarutao Island, north of Malaysia’s Langkawi resort, was carrying approximately 90 passengers.

Romli Mustafa, director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for northern states Kedah and Perlis, confirmed that three survivors were found on Sunday alongside six bodies, bringing the total confirmed death toll to seven. At least 13 people have been rescued alive.

The bodies recovered Sunday included a young girl and five women, though their nationality and ethnicity were not disclosed. One body recovered on Saturday is believed to be a woman from Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya minority.

Search and rescue efforts paused for the day are expected to resume Monday, with authorities warning that additional victims or survivors could still be found. State police estimate the boat likely sank three days ago.

Two other vessels carrying members of the group of 300 migrants remain missing. Preliminary investigations indicate that the migrants initially boarded a larger vessel, which transported them close to Malaysian waters. Near the border, they were reportedly transferred to three smaller boats, each carrying around 100 people.

Authorities have requested the MMEA and Marine Police to continue search and rescue operations for the missing vessels.

Malaysia, a relatively affluent nation, is home to millions of migrants from poorer parts of Asia, many working undocumented in construction, agriculture, and other sectors. Crossings facilitated by human trafficking syndicates are often dangerous, resulting in frequent maritime accidents.

“Cross-border syndicates are increasingly exploiting migrants, using high-risk sea routes and making them victims of human trafficking,” Romli said. Malaysian media reported that syndicates can charge up to $3,500 per person for such passage. In one of the deadliest months, December 2021, over 20 migrants drowned in multiple incidents off Malaysia’s coast.