Refused entry at every port, 90 refugees languished at sea for three months. Indonesian villagers discovered the survivors on a deserted island.
A boat carrying dozens of Rohingya refugees that has been adrift in the Andaman Sea since February has landed on an Indonesian island after a voyage of more than 100 days.Miftach Cut Adek, the leader of the local tribal fishing community, said 90 people were on board the boat when it left the refugee camp on February 11, but nine died during the 113-day trip.
M. Ilyas, a Rohingya on the stranded boat, said they were refused entry to Malaysia because of concerns over the coronavirus. He said their boat’s engine broke down in Indian waters, and local fishermen there helped them continue their trip. “It is an empty island and we do not know their condition, whether they are free from COVID-19 or not. We are trying to examine them now,” Salmidin said.
Authorities in Indonesia, including local police and immigration, were not immediately available for comment.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Sea snot' on Turkey's shores alarms residentsA thick, brown, bubbly foam dubbed 'sea snot' has covered the shores of the Sea of Marmara, alarming Istanbul residents and threatening marine life.
Read more »
Chris Minns vows to 'listen to the community' in his first visit to Western Sydney as Labor leaderThe state's Opposition leader, Chris Minns spent his first day on the job celebrating Italy's Republic Day with the Italian community in Liverpool, where he spruiked Western Sydney and promised positive solutions.
Read more »
Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City pull out of Asian Champions League after A-League finals clashThe A-League finals schedule is finally revealed, with all three Australian sides forced to withdraw from the Asian Champions League as a result.
Read more »
Fans unload on Cleary as Tigers end depleted Panthers’ unbeaten runTable-toppers Penrith finally crashed to their first loss of the year – and raucous Tigers fans took great delight in rubbing it into the club’s former coach Ivan Cleary.
Read more »
Sydney records coldest day in five years while heavy snow on way for ski fieldsThursday was Sydney's coldest day in five years with cloudy and wet conditions keeping temperatures below 14 degrees | daniellamariewh
Read more »
Why Kate Winslet won’t strip on-screen againShe’s disrobed in front of the camera many times over the years, but Mare of Easttown star Kate Winslet now says those days are “numbered.”
Read more »