Death Toll in Australian Shipwreck Rises

The death toll of a ship wreck in the Indian Ocean last week has risen to 48, authorities announced Monday. The ship was believed to be carrying 90 asylum-seekers when it crashed into cliffs along Christmas Island, a territory of Australia, on Wednesday. The passengers were from the Middle East.

"We may never know the precise number but the advice to me is that the best estimate at present is that there were around 90 people on the boat," said Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The AFP reports 30 bodies have been recovered so far and between 15 and 20 people remain missing. A search for the missing has been suspended.

Survivors have claimed the Australian Navy slacked when it came to saving shipwreck victims. The accident also sparked protests by other asylum-seekers being held in detention centers. They are protesting the living conditions of the detention centers and the deaths of those in the accident.

Gillard, who is being criticized for poor border protection, called the accident a “terrible human tragedy.” She said an investigation will be conducted.

Christmas Island is located about 1,600 miles northwest of Perth.

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