In 2025, irregular maritime migration across key routes witnessed several catastrophic incidents that together accounted for a significant share of migrant fatalities in IOR. The deadliest incident of the year occurred off the coast of Myanmar on 10 May 25, when two severely overcrowded boats carrying more than 500 migrants sank, leading to 427 reported deaths. This was followed by a major late-year tragedy off Langkawi, Malaysia, on 09 Nov 25, where three migrant boats carrying approximately 300 people capsized, resulting in 28 confirmed fatalities and 258 migrants reported missing. Beyond Southeast Asia, the Horn of Africa – Arabian Peninsula migration corridor also remained extremely lethal, 28 incidents off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti in 2025 caused 93 confirmed deaths and 369 missing persons, underscoring the persistent risk along this route. Collectively, these incidents highlight how a small number of high-impact maritime disasters were responsible for a disproportionately large share of migrant deaths and disappearances during the year.
Key Insight: Migrant fatalities increased significantly in 2025, highlighting the escalating human cost of IHM
Irregular Human Migration (IHM) incidents increased from 176 in 2024 to 200 in 2025, reflecting a continued and significant challenge in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). During 2025, IHM incidents accounted for 1,228 migrant fatalities (582 deaths and 646 missing), representing a substantial rise compared to the previous year (286 deaths and 399 missing in 2024). A total of 8,937 migrants were rescued or intercepted, while 256 suspected smugglers and traffickers were apprehended. The year was marked by several mass-casualty events, notably the sinking of two overcrowded boats off Myanmar in May 2025 that resulted in 427 deaths and a major late-year incident off Langkawi in Nov 2025 with 28 confirmed fatalities and 258 migrants reported missing, underscoring the growing human toll of these trends.
Key Insight: Persistent migration drivers and high-risk sea routes sustained IHM activity in 2025
IHM continued to be driven by the persistent quest for a better life and security. Migrants undertook high-risk transits on overcrowded and unseaworthy small boats, often resulting in severe casualties during these perilous journeys. Mayotte and Indonesia remained major hotspots, together accounting for 92 of 208 incidents, underscoring sustained movement towards high-frequency destination points. A significant stowaway trend also emerged in Mauritius, with 30 stowaways handed over by transiting vessels, indicating evolving methods of irregular movement. West Asia experienced IHM incidents off Oman and Yemen, reflecting continued reliance on established maritime routes.
Key Insight: Smuggling networks demonstrated increasing sophistication and operational flexibility
The annual IHM trends in 2025 also highlighted methodologies employed for migration, including the use of social media platforms for mobilisation, movement on converted fishing vessels and stowaways onboard merchant vessels, all of which underscore the evolving tactics of smuggling networks.
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a voluntary initiative that brings together the navies of the Indian Ocean littoral states. Through dialogue, co-operation, and shared understanding, IONS fosters regional maritime security and stability across one of the world’s most strategic oceanic regions.
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