Dhaka, April 14 -- A massive search and rescue operation is underway in the Andaman Sea after a trawler carrying approximately 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, capsized in treacherous waters on Tuesday.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) issued a joint statement expressing "deep sorrow" over the incident, which occurred as the region marks the Bengali New Year.

The vessel, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh, was reportedly bound for Malaysia when it succumbed to heavy winds and severe overcrowding.

"This tragic incident reflects the dire consequences of protracted displacement and the absence of durable solutio...