A boat carrying Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Malaysia broke apart in heavy seas, resulting in at least 17 drownings, according to rescuers from the Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation. The incident occurred off the coast of Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where around 600,000 Rohingya Muslims face persecution. Over 50 people were believed to be on the boat. Rescuers recovered 17 bodies and found eight survivors, with ongoing efforts to locate those missing. Rohingya refugees often embark on risky sea journeys, fleeing conditions in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and freedom of movement.
Boat Carrying Rohingya Refugees Breaks Up at Sea, 17 Dead
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