Teknaf, Aug. 1 (V7N) — At least 18 Rohingya men were rescued after a boat carrying 31 people capsized off the coast of Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf on Friday morning, while 13 others, including the boat's crew, remain missing, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred at around 8:00 a.m. near the West Para boat terminal on Shah Porir Dwip. Local fishermen rescued the survivors and later handed them over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Acting Chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad Abdul Mannan said the passengers were attempting to enter Bangladesh after fleeing ongoing fighting between Myanmar's security forces and the Arakan Army (AA) across the border. He said the boat sank near the shoreline before reaching land.

Local fisherman Md. Ismail, who took part in the rescue operation, said the boat was carrying 31 people when it capsized.

"We managed to rescue 18 people, but 13 others are still missing. None of the survivors are women or children," he said.

Ismail further claimed that the rescued individuals had previously travelled to Myanmar and were returning to Bangladesh due to the deteriorating security situation. However, this claim could not be independently verified.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, alleged that the rescued individuals had earlier left Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, crossed into Myanmar, and had been involved in fighting against the Arakan Army before attempting to return. The allegation has not been independently verified.

Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commanding Officer of Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB), confirmed that 18 people had been rescued and were currently in BGB custody.

"We are verifying their identities and the circumstances under which they entered Bangladesh. Further details will be released after the investigation," he said.

Bangladesh currently hosts around 1.25 million registered Rohingya refugees in 33 camps across Ukhiya and Teknaf. Most fled Myanmar following the military crackdown in Rakhine State in August 2017.

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