At least 11 migrants drown off Malaysia, 25 missing

Officials inspect a boat that capsized and killed some of the people onboard, while other migrants remain missing in Kota Tinggi, Johor state, Malaysia (REUTERS)

BANGKOK (DPA), 15 DEC, 2021 – At least 11 migrants have drowned off the southern coast of peninsular Malaysia after their vessel capsized, local media reported on Wednesday evening, citing rescue services.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the country’s navy said the number of missing had been revised down to 25, after survivors said 50 people were onboard, rather than the 60 previously reported by officials.

The MMEA said the boat went down at around 4:30 am (2330 GMT Tuesday) off the coast of Johor state, which borders Singapore and sits across the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade conduits, from Indonesia.

Local media reported that “it was believed” the boat came from Indonesia, though officials had not confirmed this. The MMEA said it was likely the stricken vessel was carrying “undocumented migrants.” No cause was given for the capsizing.