Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Thailand have resumed their joint search and rescue operations to find dozens of missing Rohingya migrants after a crowded boat sank near the maritime border between the two countries. Authorities say at least 21 people have been confirmed dead, while 13 survivors have been rescued so far.

The boat, which was carrying around 70 people, capsized in rough seas off the coast of Malaysia’s Langkawi Island and Thailand’s Koh Tarutao on Saturday. Officials believe several other boats that left with the same group, carrying about 230 more people, are still unaccounted for.

The victims were part of a larger group of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution and hardship in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. They were reportedly attempting to reach Malaysia, seen by many as a safer destination and a place with better job opportunities.

Rescue teams from both countries have deployed ships and aircraft to expand the search area across hundreds of square kilometers of sea. Malaysian officials said the operation would continue through the week despite challenging weather conditions and strong waves. Thai naval forces have also joined the effort, recovering several bodies along their coastline.

Authorities say the tragedy has once again drawn attention to the dangerous journeys made by the Rohingya in search of safety. According to the United Nations refugee agency, more than 5,000 Rohingya have attempted sea crossings in 2025 alone, with nearly 600 reported dead or missing. Human rights groups have called on Southeast Asian countries to do more to protect refugees and ensure safe rescue and shelter operations.

The United Nations and aid organizations have expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Rohingya risking their lives at sea. Many are forced to turn to human smugglers, who charge high fees and often abandon people in unsafe boats without proper equipment. Reports suggest that smugglers charged up to 3,500 dollars per person for this latest journey.

Malaysia, which does not officially recognize refugee status, has been criticized for detaining undocumented migrants and turning away boats. Human rights advocates warn that stricter border policies could lead to more deaths as desperate people continue to seek a way out of hopeless conditions in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

As the search continues, families of the missing remain anxious, hoping for news about their loved ones. Officials say the focus now is on finding more survivors and identifying the victims as regional governments face renewed pressure to prevent such tragedies in the future.