New Delhi: A lost fishing ship which could be carrying as many as 100 Indian migrants including women and children, may be heading to New Zealand, media reports suggested. The boat reportedly carrying people from New Delhi and Tamil Nadu left Munambam harbor in Kerala, about a week ago has been missing in the sea.

Citing officials, news organisation Reuters said a man named Prabhu Dhandapani from New Delhi has been arrested in connection with the probe. He told the police that the boat was heading to New Zealand.

“Police have recovered more than 70 bags left behind by the migrants, as well as around 20 identification documents.  The bags are full of dry goods and clothes, suggesting they were preparing for a long journey, “it reported.

Many Indian agencies including the coast guard are trying to locate the boat which is missing somewhere in the sea.

The ship would need to travel more than 7,000 miles through some of the roughest seas in the world and through traits where cyclones and storms are common. If in any case, the migrants make it to the country, they may have to face detention upon arrival. The country’s laws has a six month detention term for those who are part of a mass arrival.