250 missing after boat sinks

A major maritime tragedy has unfolded in the Indian Ocean as a trawler carrying hundreds of migrants reportedly sank while en route to Malaysia.

Survivors have described a harrowing ordeal of overcrowding and mechanical failure before the vessel was overwhelmed by strong currents.

The UN refugee and migration agencies have called for increased regional cooperation to locate any remaining survivors and address the root causes of these dangerous crossings.

This incident highlights the ongoing desperation of displaced populations in Southeast Asia who continue to risk their lives at sea.