More than 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead after two overcrowded boats reportedly sank in the Bay of Bengal while carrying people fleeing hardship in Myanmar and refugee camps in Bangladesh, according to the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and IOM said the vessels departed from Myanmar’s western Rakhine State in late June. Most of those on board were Rohingya Muslims seeking safety and better living conditions.

One boat carrying around 250 passengers reportedly disappeared shortly after departure and lost contact with authorities. A second vessel, carrying approximately 280 people, is believed to have sunk near Myanmar’s coast on July 8.

While the exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed, both agencies expressed deep concern over the potential loss of hundreds of lives. The organizations described the incident as a devastating humanitarian tragedy.

The Bay of Bengal becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon season, when heavy rains, rough seas and storms increase the risk of maritime accidents. Despite these dangers, many Rohingya continue to undertake risky sea journeys due to worsening conditions in refugee camps and a lack of safe options for returning home.

Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees currently live in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh. Aid reductions, food shortages and ongoing conflict in Myanmar have further deepened their hardships.

UNHCR and IOM have urged the international community to strengthen rescue operations, expand protection measures and combat human trafficking networks to prevent further loss of life.