Malaysia Coast Guard Saves 41 Indonesians

Malaysia’s coast guard has rescued 41 Indonesians and is searching for seven others after a boat overloaded with suspected illegal migrants capsized in choppy waters.

An official in Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency says the boat was believed to be heading from southern Malaysia to Indonesia’s Batam island when it overturned before dawn Monday.

He says one of the passengers used a cellphone to call police for help.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to make public statements.

Malaysian national news agency Bernama says the survivors include a woman who is eight months pregnant and a year-old child.

Thousands of Indonesians work illegally in plantations and other industries in neighboring Malaysia. They sometimes risk dangerous boat journeys when trying to return home.