One Woman Dead, 10 Rescued After Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Malaysia–Thailand Border

Nov 2025 : At least one woman drowned and 10 others were rescued after a boat carrying nearly 90 undocumented migrants capsized near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime border, Malaysian authorities confirmed on Sunday.

Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah said the boat sank three days ago in waters near Tarutao Island, north of Malaysia’s Langkawi Island. “A boat carrying around 90 people is believed to have capsized. Two other boats carrying a similar number of passengers have also been reported missing,” he told local media. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing to locate more survivors.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said that 11 people—including one deceased woman—had been located so far. Kedah and Perlis maritime director Romli Mustafa warned that more victims may still be at sea.

Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s more prosperous economies, hosts millions of undocumented migrants working in construction, agriculture, and service sectors. Many undertake dangerous sea journeys facilitated by human trafficking networks. Capsizing incidents are common; in December 2021 alone, more than 20 migrants drowned off the Malaysian coast.