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COX’S BAZAR: A boat carrying Rohingyas fleeing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State capsized off Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf upazila on Friday morning, leaving 18 people rescued and 13 others missing, according to local sources.
The incident occurred at around 8:00 am in the sea near the Shah Porir Dwip West Para boat terminal.
The rescued individuals were later handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Local sources said the group was attempting to enter Bangladesh by boat to escape the ongoing fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The vessel reportedly overturned after being caught in strong currents and rough seas near the coast. Four boatmen from the Bangladesh side had reportedly gone to assist in bringing them across.
Acting Chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad Abdul Mannan said local fishermen joined the rescue operation after receiving news of the accident and managed to save 18 people before handing them over to the BGB.
Local fisherman Md Ismail said there were 31 people aboard the boat. While 18 were rescued alive, 13 remain missing. He added that none of the rescued individuals were women or children.
A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some of those rescued were believed to have previously left Rohingya camps in Bangladesh to join the Arakan Army in fighting in Myanmar.
They were reportedly attempting to return to Bangladesh amid the deteriorating security situation. The claim is being verified by the relevant authorities.
Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commanding officer of BGB Teknaf-2, confirmed that 18 people had been rescued and are currently in BGB custody.
He said authorities are verifying their identities and the reasons for their arrival in Bangladesh, adding that further details will be released after the investigation.
Bangladesh currently hosts around 1.25 million Rohingya refugees in 33 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Most fled Myanmar following the military crackdown in Rakhine State that began on August 25, 2017.