Several dead in migrant drowning

摘要

Rescuers have called off a search for eight migrants missing since a capsizing off Australia's Christmas Island, where a boy was confirmed drowned. The rescue operation, which began on 12 July, renewed accusations that Australian authorities have delayed responses in such cases. "We are concerned that a pattern has developed where boats seek assistance and that assistance is not rendered until people are in the water," Pamela Curr, campaign co-ordinator from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, told The Australian daily newspaper.