Officials reported that around 70 people were believed to have been on board the vessel when it overturned in rough seas late Saturday night. Local fishermen and rescue teams have so far recovered 11 bodies, including women and children, while search operations continue for dozens of missing passengers.

The ill-fated boat was reportedly attempting to reach Malaysia, a common destination for Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution and difficult living conditions in camps across Myanmar and Bangladesh. Survivors told local media that the boat began taking on water before strong waves caused it to capsize.

Authorities from both Thailand and Malaysia have launched a joint rescue and recovery operation, with humanitarian organizations calling for urgent international support to prevent further loss of life among the vulnerable Rohingya population.

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, have faced decades of discrimination and statelessness, forcing many to undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of safety.