Scores Still Missing After Asylum Ship Sinks Off Christmas Island

Australian authorities say around 90 asylum seekers are still missing in the Indian Ocean after a crowded refugee boat capsized between Indonesia and Australia’s Christmas Island. Around 110 people have been plucked alive from the waters. The vessel went down around 200 kilometres off Christmas Island.

Navy and merchant vessels are involved in the hunt for survivors backed by five aircraft. Refugees seeking asylum in Australia often do deals with smugglers in Indonesia before embarking on the dangerous journey in overcrowded boats. Four such vessels have gone down with fatal consequences since 2010.