Stranded boat people deported<\/p>\n
SURABAYA, East Java: A boat carrying 39 Chinese that landed at
\na quay in Gresik, East Java, was sent back to the open sea
\nThursday afternoon escorted by an Indonesian naval vessel, Antara
\nreported yesterday.<\/p>\n
Gresik port security personnel arrested the 39 boat people on
\nWednesday, including seven women, who were without passports.
\nAuthorities inspected the old, wooden boat and found that the
\npassengers did not have any navigational equipment except for a
\ncompass.<\/p>\n
The passengers only brought cooking utensils and a fishnet.<\/p>\n
They told police investigators that their destination was
\neither Australia or New Zealand, where they hoped to lead a
\nbetter life. They ran out of fuel and decided to beach on the
\nIndonesian shore.<\/p>\n
They said they had been sailing for 40 days before they were
\nspotted and apprehended by an Indonesian patrol boat.<\/p>\n
Police spokesman Lt. Col. Santoso said while berthed at the
\nGresik pier, they were not allowed to leave their boat, and were
\nunder guard.<\/p>\n
The authorities provided the boat people with food and fuel,
\nabout enough to reach the shores of Australia or New Zealand,
\nSantoso added. (swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/stranded-boat-people-deported-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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