At least 15 asylum-seekers drown off Indonesia

July 27, 2013
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CIANJUR, Indonesia -- Rescuers said on Friday (July 26th) that at least 15 are dead, after a boat filled with asylum seekers sank on its way to Australia's Christmas Island earlier in the week, AFP reported.

  • A policeman carries an exhausted young boy following a search and rescue effort in Cidaun, West Java on Wednesday (July 24th). About 157 people were saved, while at least 15 others died after a boat carrying approximately 200 asylum-seekers sank off Indonesia on Tuesday. Rescue workers said Friday it was unlikely more survivors would be found. [AFP]

    A policeman carries an exhausted young boy following a search and rescue effort in Cidaun, West Java on Wednesday (July 24th). About 157 people were saved, while at least 15 others died after a boat carrying approximately 200 asylum-seekers sank off Indonesia on Tuesday. Rescue workers said Friday it was unlikely more survivors would be found. [AFP]

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Three days after the boat sank in the seas off Indonesia, rescue operation chief Rochmali said it was "unlikely" any more survivors would be found, given deteriorating weather conditions that have affected the search.

Survivors estimate more than 200 people were aboard when the trip began. "We don't know the exact number of people who were onboard. It's possible they're all accounted for, but we've sent a helicopter out anyway to scan the sea," Rochmali told AFP.

Dozens swam for hours to shore or were picked up by fishing boats and rescue crews.

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