File photo of a sinking boat with asylum-seekers aboard off Australiaâ„¢s Christmas Island
At least four people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying asylum-seekers sank off the Indonesian Island of Java.
According to Indonesian authorities, at least four people, including two children, perished off near Java Island early Wednesday.
Rescue workers say over 150 have been rescued so far and placed in a nearby village for treatment.
“[The survivors] have been taken to a temporary immigration holding facility,” the head of a rescue team told reporters.
Earlier reports by Australian media outlets had said up to 60 people were feared dead. The latest death toll comes as search continues for possible survivors.
Last week, four people died in a similar boat accident near Australiaâ„¢s Christmas Island.
The incident comes several days after Australia announced it will no longer welcome refugees arriving by boat to the country. The decision drew sharp criticism from human rights groups.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin’s Rudd plan is to send all asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat, to Papua New Guinea instead for processing and resettlement.
Protesters have recently staged a rally in Sydney’s suburb to object to the prime minister’s tough policy against asylum seekers. The group of activists gathered outside the venue where Rudd was to brief his colleagues about the new policy.
The pro-asylum activists chanted slogans against the premier’s new plan and racism.
JR/KA
Republished from: Press TV