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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
National

11 dead, 27 missing in Malaysia boat sinking

People search Tanjung Balau beach after a boat carrying migrants capsized, in Kota Tinggi, Johor state, Malaysia, on Wednesday. (Royal Malaysian Army/Handout via REUTERS)

At least 11 Indonesian migrants died and 27 are believed to be missing after a boat sank Wednesday in stormy weather off southern Malaysia, authorities said.

There were 21 people reported safe among the estimated 60 aboard the boat, which capsized off southern Johor state around 4.30am (3.30am in Thailand).

Indonesians looking for work sometimes try to enter neighbouring Malaysia illegally by making sea crossings in rickety boats, and accidents happen regularly.

The boat, believed to be carrying 60 migrants, went down in the morning off Malaysia's southern state of Johor, the coastguard said.

Soldiers on patrol discovered the bodies of seven men and four women on the shore.

Another 20 men and two women were found alive following the voyage from a nearby Indonesian island, and have been taken into custody.

Those missing are believed to have fled into hiding or drowned, and authorities have deployed boats and an aircraft to find them.

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