At least 18 people have been rescued alive after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsized off the coast of Teknaf Upazila of Cox's Bazar. According to local sources, 13 others, including the boat's crew, remain missing. Local fishermen and the concerned authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts.

The incident occurred at around 8:00 a.m. on Friday in the Bay of Bengal near the Shah Porir Dwip West Para boat landing area. The 18 survivors were immediately taken to a safe location with the assistance of local residents before being handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Abdul Mannan, acting chairman of the Sabrang Union Parishad, said that ongoing fighting between Myanmar's government forces and the rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), in Rakhine State has created widespread fear in the border region. Amid the deteriorating security situation, a group of Rohingya attempted to enter Bangladesh, but the boat carrying them capsized near the coast.

"After receiving the news, local fishermen quickly launched a rescue operation and saved 18 people alive. However, 13 others are still missing," he said.

Local fisherman Md. Ismail, who witnessed the incident, said there were a total of 31 people on board the boat.

Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commanding Officer of Teknaf BGB Battalion-2, said the rescued refugees are currently in BGB custody. 

“We are verifying why they entered Bangladesh, their identities, and other relevant details. Further information will be provided after the investigation is completed”, he told Daily Waadaa.