Search teams from Malaysia and Thailand have recovered 21 bodies following the capsizing of a migrant vessel near Tarutao Island, with authorities confirming no survivors found in Thai waters as of Monday. The boat, reportedly carrying approximately 70 undocumented migrants, sank four days ago in a maritime corridor frequently used for irregular migration.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director Romli Mustafa stated that five additional bodies were discovered Monday, bringing Malaysia's total recoveries to 12. Thai counterparts located nine bodies in their territorial waters. Rescue operations, coordinated across both nations, are expected to continue for up to seven days depending on weather conditions and new findings.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in regional maritime safety and irregular migration patterns across Southeast Asia. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of those aboard, though such routes are historically used by migrants from conflict-affected areas and those seeking economic opportunities.
