7 dead, 30 missing in Myanmar after boat carrying fleeing villagers capsised

The reports also said the military launched airstrikes on Kye village on Wednesday and that many hundreds of people were fleeing to nearby villages and towns for safety.

The sea route has been the major transportation link for the area's villages since the fighting blocked major roads. (Representational Image)

Seven villagers fleeing violence in Myanmar on a boat in the Andaman Sea died after it capsised and 30 are missing, news agency AP reported. The incident occurred on Sunday night when the overcrowded vessel, which had set sail from Kyauk Kar, sank just 15 minutes into its journey to Myeik, a coastal town in the southern Tanintharyi region. Meanwhile, at least 30 individuals were rescued from the wreckage, according to the local media and authorities.

The boat was reportedly overloaded, carrying an estimated 70-75 passengers—far exceeding its usual capacity of 30-40—along with various goods. Strong currents in the sea may have contributed to the disaster, as stated by a villager involved in the rescue efforts who requested anonymity due to fears of military repercussions.

What is happening in Myanmar?

Kyauk Kar, where the incident took place, is situated about 520 kilometers south of Yangon and is near areas experiencing intense fighting between Myanmar’s military and pro-democracy guerrillas. The ongoing conflict has forced many residents to flee their homes. A villager told AP that most passengers were escaping recent hostilities that had escalated over the past week.

The situation in Myanmar has been dire since the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021. This has led to widespread armed resistance and significant civilian displacement. In September alone, around 20 civilians were killed, and approximately 59,000 people were displaced in the Tanintharyi region due to ongoing violence.

The fighting intensified recently in nearby villages, prompting airstrikes and further displacing residents, quoting independent news outlets, AP have reported. The sea route has become a critical transportation link for those escaping conflict, as major roads have been blocked.

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