An Indonesian search and rescue ship recently saved dozens of Rohingya refugees from a capsized wooden boat off the coast of Aceh, highlighting the dangers of ocean journeys from Bangladesh.
As reported by The Associated Press, 59 people were rescued by the search and rescue ship, with an additional 10 picked up by local fishing boats. A total of 75 Rohingya were saved, with no reports of fatalities.
One survivor, a 17-year-old, shared that they had departed from the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, where many Rohingya have been living since 2017.
The boat encountered difficulties three days before capsizing. A search and rescue team from Banda Aceh eventually located the refugees, who were found desperate for help on the hull of the boat.
Making these perilous journeys has become increasingly common since the crisis in Rakhine State in 2017, with many Rohingya seeking sanctuary in Southeast Asia despite the dangers.
Last year, the death toll from these ocean crossings reached a high, prompting UNHCR to label the route as one of the deadliest in the world.
Despite the risks, many Rohingya choose to embark on these journeys due to the dire conditions in the refugee camps and the slim chances of returning home to Rakhine State.
The International Crisis Group warns that without significant changes, the number of Rohingya attempting these dangerous voyages is likely to continue rising.