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.
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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