A heart-wrenching mishap unfolded as the bodies of 23 Rohingyas were recovered following the sinking of their boat while attempting to flee Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Despite efforts to rescue them, 30 individuals remain missing, while a fortunate eight people managed to survive the devastating incident.
Desperate Bid to Escape Persecution and Overcrowding
The survivors recounted their harrowing ordeal, revealing their aim to reach Malaysia, a destination of refuge, when their boat, carrying over 50 passengers, succumbed to the sea’s fury on Sunday. This journey is an annual rite for countless Rohingyas, driven by the pressing need to escape persecution within Myanmar and the congested refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh.
A Grim Reminder of the Rohingya Struggle
The tragic loss of life in this incident underscores the plight faced by the Rohingya Muslims, an ethnic minority enduring persecution in Myanmar. This community’s adversity prompted many to flee to Bangladesh in 2017, escaping a campaign of genocide orchestrated by Myanmar’s military. Even those who remained in Myanmar have been trying to escape since the military coup in 2021.
The Fatal Moment and Abandonment
Survivors vividly recall the fateful encounter with a massive wave near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state. The smugglers, having accepted substantial payments of around $4,000 per person for the journey to Malaysia, heartlessly abandoned the vessel after the incident. The deceased victims, comprised of 13 women and 10 men, Rohingya Muslims in entirety, either washed ashore or were recovered by other vessels.
Perilous Journey Amid Monsoon Season
The Rohingya community undertakes this treacherous journey across the Andaman Sea in overcrowded fishing boats every year, with the peak of monsoon storm season amplifying the risks. The timeframe between October and May witnesses the majority of Rohingyas embarking on this journey. Their willingness to confront these dangers, often selling their only assets to fund the voyage, reflects the dire conditions they face in their home countries. Whether in the refugee camps of Bangladesh or within Myanmar, where discrimination and movement restrictions persist, the Rohingyas seek solace from their circumstances through such arduous journeys.
SOURCE: Ref Image from bdnews24.com
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