More Bodies of Asylum Seekers Found Raising Toll to 41

Cianjur, West Java (Antara) - Nine more bodies were discovered on Monday after a boat carrying illegal immigrants capsized in the waters off West Java four days ago. The bodies - eight men and one woman - were found along the coasts of Cikakap and Salatri, Agrabinta, after rescuers scoured the area from morning to evening. Agrabinta sub-district police chief Adjunct Commissioner Warsono said the bodies have been transferred to Cianjur local hospital for autopsies and would later be sent to Kramat Jati police hospital in Jakarta. With Monday's discovery, 41 bodies have so far been recovered. Efforts to find the remains of other victims would continue for seven days, according to officials. The exact number of passengers on the ill-fated boat is not known, but has been reported to be more than 80. Twenty-two people, meanwhile, have been found safe. (*)