In brief
The Malaysian Coast Guard reported that a boat carrying migrants sank near the southern Thai island of Ko Tarutao, with dozens feared missing. Ten individuals have been rescued, and the search for others continues. The victims are believed to be part of a larger group seeking refuge. Efforts are underway to locate further survivors amidst persistent challenges faced by the vulnerable Rohingya community fleeing Myanmar.
Dozens of people are missing and one person has died after a boat carrying migrants sank near the border between Thailand and Malaysia.
The vessel is believed to have capsized near the southern Thai island of Ko Tarutao on Thursday, according to the Malaysian Coast Guard.
Ten people have been rescued and the body of a woman was found floating in the sea.
Maritime officials believe the victims are part of a group of about 300 individuals who had been traveling on a larger vessel before splitting onto smaller boats as they approached Malaysia.
Those rescued near the Malaysian resort of Langkawi include three Myanmar men, two Rohingya men, and one Bangladeshi man. The body found in the water was identified as that of a Rohingya woman.
Efforts to locate more survivors are ongoing.
The mostly Muslim Rohingya community has fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar in vast numbers in recent years to escape persecution. Conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh have also driven vulnerable individuals onto overcrowded vessels as they seek a better life in Malaysia.
Officials estimate that many fleeing the situation have paid more than $3,000 (£2,300) for passage.
