In a harrowing maritime incident, at least 69 Rohingya refugees have been rescued after their wooden boat capsized off the coast of Indonesia’s Aceh province. The vessel, reportedly carrying an estimated 150 individuals, succumbed to rough seas approximately 12 miles from the beach of Kuala Bubon on Wednesday morning.

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS Aceh) confirmed on Thursday that 42 men, 18 women, and nine children were safely brought to port. However, fears linger for those unaccounted for, as dozens are suspected to have perished in the tragedy.

Early reports indicate that six individuals—four women and two men—were initially rescued by Acehnese fishermen and provided crucial testimony to authorities. According to Faisal Rahman, a representative from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), survivors recounted a grim reality of widespread casualties.

"We can't confirm the exact number of casualties, but according to information from the six who were rescued, there are many dead," Rahman revealed to Al Jazeera. “They assume about 50 people died when the boat capsized.”

Tragically, it is believed that a significant portion of the casualties comprises women and children who were unable to navigate the treacherous waters. Amateur footage captured by local fishermen, widely circulated on Indonesian social media, depicts survivors clinging to the overturned hull, visibly distressed and pleading for rescue.

As rescue efforts continue and authorities work to ascertain the full extent of the disaster, this incident underscores the perilous journey undertaken by Rohingya refugees in search of safety and asylum.

BOB Post