Over 70 Bengalis adrift in Andaman Sea arrested

Authorities concerned discovered a motorboat in the Andaman Sea approximately four miles from Kaingthaung village in Labutta township, Ayeyawady Region, at 10:30 am on 4 August. The motorboat was carrying 72 Bengali individuals — 67 men and five women.
With the assistance of a local fishing boat, the motorboat was towed to Poelaung village. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the individuals lacked official documents. Further investigation disclosed that their motorboat had experienced a breakdown at sea during their journey from Bangladesh to Malaysia, resulting in it drifting for approximately 58 days.
Subsequently, the authorities apprehended the individuals, seized the motorboat, and are now in the process of taking appropriate actions in response to the situation. — TWA/MKKS