Overcrowded ship sinks

AT least 217 people were missing, and possibly scores more, after a boat overcrowded with illegal immigrants heading for Australia, sank off the coast of Indonesia, said authorities yesterday.

Many of the passengers are believed to be economic migrants from countries including Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Indonesia is a transit point for illegal immigrants from the Middle East who cross the Indian Ocean in search of a better life in Australia.

The boat was wrecked in strong seas about 90km out to sea, officials said.