International News

LHOKNGA, Indonesia, (APP/AFP) – Dozens of Sri
Lankan migrants stranded on a boat off Indonesia were allowed
to come ashore Saturday, easing a tense stand-off with local
authorities.
The 44 migrants, who include many women and children,
had been stuck on a boat off Aceh province for a week as
authorities in the western province refused to allow them
to disembark.
But officials relented Saturday and allowed the
migrants — who were adrift after their Indian-flagged vessel
broke down en route to Australia — to take refuge in tents
set up along the beach.
Police had begun taking photographs of those brought
ashore in a bid to establish identities, an AFP journalist at
the scene said.
Authorities had previously said the boat would be towed
out to international waters to continue on its journey after
repairs are completed and the weather improved.