Ten dead, search underway for dozens missing as boat capsizes off Malaysia

Malaysia boat

People search Tanjung Balau beach after a boat carrying migrants capsized, killing at least 10 people and 29 remain missing, in Kota Tinggi, Johor state, Malaysia, December 15, 2021. Royal Malaysian Army/Handout via REUTERS

KUALA LUMPUR — Ten bodies have been found and 29 people were missing on Wednesday after a boat carrying suspected illegal migrants capsized off Malaysia in bad weather, maritime authorities said.

There were 21 people reported safe among the estimated 60 aboard the boat, which capsized off southern Johor state around 4:30 a.m. (2030 GMT)

The survivors and the boat were found on a beach in Tanjung Balau and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said a search and rescue operations had been launched for those missing.

Authorities did not provide further details about the origin or nationality of the migrants, or their intended destination.

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