Rescuers in Malaysia have recovered seven bodies and found 13 survivors after a boat carrying migrants from Myanmar capsized near Langkawi island.

The vessel reportedly left Myanmar’s Rakhine state with about 300 people on board before splitting into three smaller boats as it neared Malaysia.

One of the boats is believed to have sunk near Thailand’s Tarutao island, with some victims drifting into Malaysian waters.

Many of those rescued are believed to be Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar, the AP has reported.

Authorities have expanded search efforts, while the UNHCR urged regional governments to strengthen rescue operations and curb dangerous smuggling routes.