Aceh, Indonesia – A tragedy unfolded in the waters off Aceh Jaya, Indonesia, as the bodies of three Rohingya refugees were recovered, suspected to be victims of a capsized boat in West Aceh.
Bodies Recovered After Days at Sea
Local fishermen first reported bodies floating in the waters, prompting a search by a joint team consisting of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), TNI-Polri (Indonesian military and police), and BPBD Aceh Jaya (Aceh Jaya Disaster Management Agency). The search yielded three bodies: two adult women and one child.
Search Continues for More Victims
Authorities suspect these bodies belong to Rohingya refugees who were previously reported missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Meulaboh, West Aceh. The search continues for additional victims, with reports from fishermen suggesting more bodies may be floating at sea.
Survivors Landed Amidst Local Rejection
Dozens of Rohingya refugees were rescued from the capsized vessel days earlier. However, their arrival on land was met with resistance from local residents who blocked roads and erected barricades to prevent their relocation to a temporary shelter. The refugees were ultimately moved to a safer location at the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Building.
Negative Sentiment Towards Refugees
Atika Yuanita Paraswaty, Chair of the Indonesian Asylum Association, attributed the residents’ rejection to the prevalence of negative sentiment and misinformation surrounding Rohingya refugees. Social media has been rife with hate narratives and hoaxes, fueling public animosity.
UNHCR Raises Concerns About Potential Loss of Life
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed concerns about a potentially high death toll. Rescued survivors reported the capsized boat originally carried 151 people, with only 75 confirmed safe.
Authorities Focus on Evacuation and Investigation
While search efforts continue for missing refugees, authorities haven’t yet confirmed any fatalities onboard the evacuated vessel. The SAR operation faced challenges due to limited resources, utilizing only one ship for the initial evacuation of 69 refugees. Medical attention was provided to those who were weak or dehydrated after their ordeal at sea.
Uncertain Fate for Remaining Refugees
The fate of the remaining Rohingya refugees on the capsized boat remains unclear. As the search progresses, authorities are piecing together the events leading to this tragic incident.
