The identities of the 14 missing Sudanese were not known.
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian navy said it is still searching for 14 Sudanese immigrants missing since their boat capsized in the sea off Merauke, Papua, last week.

Chief of the navy base in Merauke marine Brig. Gen. Heri Setiadi said the navy had sent the KRI Mulga 832 ship to Kali Torasi waters where the speed boat, with 23 illegal immigrants on board, mostly Sudanese, capsized on Aug. 14.

Nine of the survivors have been sent to the immigration authorities in Merauke, Heri said here on Thursday.

The nine survivors included Basar Wasel, a Syrian, Saddam Ishamed, Amed Omer, Ibrahim Adem, Adem Abubaker, Sedig Osmon and Adam, all Sudanese and Yousev Ali, a Chadian.

The identities of the 14 missing Sudanese were not known.

Earlier this month police were reported detaining 10 illegal immigrants from Sudan in the sea off Lebak, Banten, on their way to the Christmas island of Australia.

Patrolling police caught them with sinking boat leaking after being hit hit by big waves.

One of the illegal immigrants died in the accident in the waters of Pulau Manuk, police said.

The nine survivors were sent to Banten police headquarters for investigation by police`s people smuggling task force, police said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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