Fifteen bodies of Rohingya people were found after their boat sank near Rakhine’s capital city Sittwe on 7 August.

The boat sunk near Basara Village as it was carrying at least 50 Rohingya apparently heading for Malaysia.

“We have found 15 dead bodies until now (9 August). Our team is going on a search,” said Ko Bya La, the General Secretary of Shwe Metta Foundation, adding that more than 50 people were on board when the boat went missing.

The bodies were found in some coastal villages of Sittwe, and were taken to a hospital mortuary.

Eight Rohingya men were rescued alive, and they were detained by military and police.

Reports said that these Rohingya people were from Yathedaung Township, but Mizzima has not independently confirmed it.

A local in Sittwe said: “The weather has not been normal in Rakhine State since Cyclone Mocha. The boat likely sank due to heavy rains and high waves.”

Periodically, Rohingya people living in Rakhine State try to leave illegally for Malaysia and other countries by boat as they suffer economic and social hardships.

“Boats frequently sink in Rakhine State. Some sink at sea. We carry out search and rescue if we receive a report, but we can do nothing for the cases we are not informed of,” said Ko Bya La.