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Malaysian Authorities Rescue 46 Indonesian Immigrants from Sinking Boat

Published Jul 20, 2011 10:57 AM by The Maritime Executive

Malaysian authorities have rescued 46 Indonesian immigrants after their boat sank into the ocean off of Southern Johor in Malaysia while trying to sneak back into Indonesia. 

The undocumented 46 men are believed to be illegal immigrants and were saved after their boat in poor condition experienced engine trouble in the midst of rough weather.  An official for Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said that the boat issued a distress call, but it took 10 hours for authorities to locate the vessel, just prior to sinking. 

The Malay official added that the boat was headed to Indonesia’s Batam island to sneak back into the country before the Eid holiday and the fasting month of Ramadan.

Agency regional commander, Zulkifli Abu Bakar, stated the 46 men were weak and terrified when they were finally found at around 3:50 am.

All of the immigrants have been taken into custody, minus the skipper who managed to escape the vessel before it sank. 

The incident and fate of the 46 men is under investigation.