- The Washington Times - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Dozens of Rohingya Muslims attempting to flee a cyclone were killed when the boats in which they were sailing capsized off western Myanmar.

More than 100 were on board the boats. By U.N. estimates, only 42 survived, The Associated Press reported.

Eight bodies have been found and recovered, the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Tuesday.

The Rohingya Muslims had been living in camps in Myanmar after fleeing from violence and sectarian violence last year, AP said. They took to the boats after alerts of Cyclone Mahasen.

The U.N.’s James Munn said one boat was towing several others. The lead boat then hit a rock and capsized, turning the others upside down as well, AP reported.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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