At least 10 asylum seekers, including five children, are believed to have made it to shore after the boat they were taking to Australia ran into trouble off the Indonesian coast.
It's understood that at least 40 others, however, remain on the stricken vessel off the coast south of Java, near the district of Bayah, amid reports late on Wednesday that some people may have entered the water.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed that the Australian government was aware of the incident, but added that no Australian authorities were involved in the rescue.
"We understand the incident occurred in close proximity to the Indonesian coast and Indonesian authorities are coordinating a search and rescue response," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
"We understand there are reportedly 50 people on board the vessel and reports indicate some people have entered the water and that local fishermen are and have been assisting."
Authorities in Indonesia will resume their search for the stricken asylum-seeker boat on Thursday morning after abandoning efforts to locate the vessel as night fell on Wednesday.
The boat was believed to be carrying about 50 people, including at least five children, when it issued a distress call about 11.30am local time (3.30pm AEDT).
An official with the Indonesian search and rescue agency, Basarnas, told AAP that at least 10 asylum seekers, including children had been saved by local fishermen, but that about 40 remained on the boat.
"They are still on the boat, but it's engine is dead," the official said.
"There are no reports of any casualties yet," he added.
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