Authorities’ attempts to tow a boatload of Sri Lankan asylum seekers out to sea are continuing to come up against obstacles such as stormy weather and high waves. The vessel also suffered engine trouble on Sunday.

The boat carrying 44 Sri Lankan asylum seekers ran aground at Loknga, Aceh, last week, meeting a cool welcome from local authorities.

Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah said the province had done its part by providing the group with humanitarian assistance that would allow the asylum seekers to continue their journey.

Provincial security forces were forced to bring the Sri Lankans ashore because the boat had almost amid blustery weather and choppy seas.

Besides efforts to repair and tow the boat, the authorities also disembarked the vessel’s passengers so it could be towed to the shoreline.

The security personnel also attempted to tug the boat with the help of fishing boats, but failed due to a sudden storm.

House of Representatives member Nasir Jamil on Sunday visited and spoke to the refugees, who said they were hoping for help from the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR).

“Please, we want UNHCR to handle us. Our boat is not in a good condition. We fear death if we go now,” said Artika, an asylum seeker able to speak English.

According to Artika, the boat is not fit to sail, as in addition to engine trouble, it is also leaking in a number of places.

She added that she and her fellow passengers had sailed from Tamil Nadu in India and were on their way to Australia when their boat ran into trouble in Indonesian waters.

“We just want to go to Australia because we know Australia from our families. I have an uncle living in Australia,” she said.

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