Search and Rescue Operations Conclude off Indonesia, Nearly 100 Still Unaccounted For

HMAS Maitland, image: Maitland City Council

Yesterday, four merchant vessels and HMAS Maitland recovered 55 survivors out of a total of 150 passengers of the ill-fated refugee boat that capsized and sank west of Java yesterday morning.

Following medical advice that there is no realistic prospect of survivability, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority announced today that they have completed its assistance in the search and rescue operation.

All survivors, including three with injuries, have been taken to Merak, Indonesia where they are receiving medical attention.
One body was recovered during the operation.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority thanks the vessels involved in the search who helped to save 55 lives which otherwise would have been lost.

HMAS Maitland (34 survivors) 
APL Bahrain (15 survivors) 
AS Carelia (four survivors) 
Gwendolen (one survivor) 
Da Qing Xia (one survivor) 
MV Chemroute
MV Forever South West 
Voyage Explorer 
Frontier Coronet 
World Swan 
Pelafigue Tide

Of note, this is the 3rd rescue operation performed by HMAS Maitland in recent months.  In June, the Australian warship rescued 53 refugees in the waters off Indonesia.

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