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50 surviving asylum seekers in custody in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities are holding in custody 50 asylum seekers from the island of Sri Lanka for the past two days, just after they survived the sinking of their vessel en route to Australia, and over 24 hours in the water. Over one hundred others perished.

The National Search and Rescue Agency spokesperson, Gagah Prakoso, said to AFP:

"They were starving and dehydrated, but have since been given food, water and medical attention. They are now in the custody of police in the town of Sikakap."

See: Asylum seeker boat sinks en route to Australia (30 Aug 2012)

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