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AAP
AAP
National
Michael Ramsey

Boat sinks off WA coast, nine feared dead

Authorities say an Indonesian fishing boat with 12 aboard capsized 180km west of Ashmore Reef. (AAP)

Nine people are missing and presumed dead after an Indonesian fishing boat capsized off the northwest coast of Western Australia.

Authorities say the boat, carrying 12 people, was tipped over on Sunday evening about 180km west of Ashmore Reef.

Three people were rescued by a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier which was diverted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

"Unfortunately, there were nine crew members who were not able to be located," an AMSA spokesperson said on Monday.

One survivor is critically ill and remains in Broome Hospital after being winched from the bulk carrier by a rescue helicopter.

The other two were transferred to an Australian government vessel and were expected to arrive in Darwin on Tuesday, the spokesperson said.

Indonesian media reports said the wooden vessel had sunk after being hit by a large wave and the survivors would be repatriated.

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