At least 11 Indonesian migrants died and 27 are believed to be missing after a boat sank Wednesday in stormy weather off southern Malaysia, authorities said.
There were 21 people reported safe among the estimated 60 aboard the boat, which capsized off southern Johor state around 4.30am (3.30am in Thailand).
Indonesians looking for work sometimes try to enter neighbouring Malaysia illegally by making sea crossings in rickety boats, and accidents happen regularly.
The vessel, believed to be carrying 60 migrants, went down in the morning off Malaysia's southern state of Johor, the coastguard said.
Soldiers on patrol discovered the bodies of seven men and four women on the shore, coastguard chief Admiral Mohamad Zubil Mat Som told AFP.
Another 20 men and two women were found alive following the voyage from a nearby Indonesian island, and have been taken into custody, he said.
Those missing are believed to have fled into hiding or drowned, and authorities have deployed boats and an aircraft to hunt for them.
"We deeply regret this deadly tragedy," Mohamad Zubil told AFP. "I urge migrants not to enter Malaysia illegally."
Relatively affluent Malaysia is home to millions of migrants from poorer parts of Asia, many of them undocumented, and they work in industries including construction and agriculture.
The survivors and the boat were found on a beach in Tanjung Balau and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said a search and rescue operations had been launched for those missing.
Authorities did not provide further details about the origin or nationality of the migrants, or their intended destination.