Migrant vessel sinks off Malaysia-Thailand border, hundreds missing

(VOVWORLD) - Hundreds of people are missing after a boat sank in waters near the Thailand–Malaysia maritime border, Malaysian authorities reported on November 9. Rescuers have found 10 survivors, who are citizens of Myanmar and Bangladesh, and the body of an unidentified woman. Search operations are underway off Langkawi Island.

Seaport  at Langkawi Island, Malaysia (Photo: Ngoc Diep/VOV-Bangkok.)

According to Malaysia’s northern maritime region covering Kedah and Perlis, the boat departed from Buthidaung, Myanmar, and sank on November 6. The passengers were reportedly attempting to reach Malaysia by sea.

The group of around 300 people initially boarded a large vessel headed toward Malaysia. Near the maritime border, they were told to transfer to three smaller boats, each carrying about 100 people, to avoid detection by patrol forces. One of the three boats sank; the condition of the remaining two is still unknown.