14 illegal immigrants die in boat mishaps

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Immigrants on the way to Europe

By Jensen Mark with agency reports

September 3, 2015 –  At least 14 people have been killed and several others declared missing after a boat carrying dozens of illegal immigrants sank off the coast of Malaysia.

Among the 14 people killed, 13 were women, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency(MMEA), Mr. Muhammad Hamdam, said about 70 are estimated to be on board the ill fated boat which sailed from Sabak Bernam, Malaysia to Sumatra in Indonesia.

He said that passengers were largely Indonesian based on initial conversation with survivors. He said the survivors will however not leave the way they came if they were found to be illegal immigrants.

He said the boat sank due to overloading and bad weather.Director of rescue operation, Captain robert Geok Chuan told Reuters that 19 people have so far been rescued, among which are 15 earlier rescued by fishermen earlier.

“We fear the casualty numbers will rise as it’s been several hours since the boat sank,” he added. Hundreds of illegal immigrants die in boat mishaps in their attempt to reach Europe illegally.

 

 

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