The 46 immigrants were brought to Padang on Wednesday for legal processing, Mentawai military chief Lt. Col. Josafath said.
The immigrant including five women and three children were found on Sunday on board a damaged boat tossed around by the sea waves, Josafath said.
The immigrants with food provision dwindling were found by a cargo ship New Orleans flying the Kuwaiti flag .
The cargo ship then asked for help from the authorities in Padang.
The destination of the boat people was not immediately known before the engine of their boat broke down leaving them stranded in the Mentawai islands.
(Uu.AS/H-YH/H-ASG)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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