Andaman Sea: 200 Rohingyas stranded after boat breaks down
Around 200 Rohingyas have been stranded on a boat off the coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, after its engines broke down -- a situation that is posing significant risks of fatalities.
In a statement, UN Refugee Agency yesterday urged the regional countries to immediately rescue and safely disembark them.
Reports suggest the non-sea boat was adrift since December 1, and those on board have been without food and water for days and are suffering extreme dehydration, the UN agency said.
Unverified information suggests a number of Rohingya refugees have already lost their lives, including women and children.
UNHCR said in line with international obligations under the law of the sea and longstanding maritime traditions, the duty to rescue persons in distress at sea should be upheld, irrespective of nationality or legal status.
On December 3, UNHCR issued an alert over the dramatic increase in the number of people trying to cross the Andaman Sea from Bangladesh and Myanmar amid escalation of violence in the Southeast Asian nation.
It said more than 1,900 people have already made the journey since January -- six times more than in 2020. And, 119 people have been reported dead or missing on these journeys this year alone.
UNHCR stands ready to support in providing any necessary humanitarian assistance for those disembarked.
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