24-3-2024 (JAKARTA) In a devastating turn of events, the bodies of two Rohingya refugees have been recovered from the sea, while several others remain missing, following the capsizing of a wooden boat believed to be carrying around 150 individuals. The tragic incident has once again highlighted the perilous journey undertaken by Rohingya Muslims, fleeing persecution in Myanmar, as they attempt to reach safety in neighbouring countries.
The Rohingya, facing persecution in their homeland, often embark on treacherous sea voyages, enduring immense risks in pursuit of refuge in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. However, these journeys are fraught with danger, with many forced to travel in overcrowded and fragile vessels.
Despite the valiant efforts of Indonesian rescuers, the search for survivors was called off on Friday, following reports from survivors indicating that dozens of individuals were swept away during the capsizing on Wednesday. While more than half a dozen bodies were sighted by fishermen on Saturday, only two have been recovered thus far.
Mirza Safrinadi, Chief of the Aceh Jaya Search and Rescue Operation, confirmed the retrieval of two female bodies, both identified as Rohingya refugees. However, reports suggest that several more victims may have drowned, with rescue efforts ongoing.
Faisal Rahman, a protection associate with the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), confirmed that the bodies of two victims had been evacuated, while efforts to recover the remaining individuals were underway.
Thursday witnessed a dramatic rescue operation, with 69 Rohingya refugees rescued after being adrift at sea for weeks. Tragically, the boat capsized shortly after their rescue, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
This latest incident adds to a surge in Rohingya arrivals in Indonesia, with over 1,700 refugees, primarily women and children, landing in Aceh and North Sumatra between mid-November and late January. The influx, the largest since 2015, underscores the worsening conditions in Rohingya camps in Bangladesh and the ongoing violence in Myanmar.
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