Authorities assist boat in distress

23 Sep 2011, 11:21 am   -   Source: AAP
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The government is attempting to get a deal through parliament which would see boat arrivals sent to Malaysia. (AAP)

The government is attempting to get a deal through parliament which would see boat arrivals sent to Malaysia. (AAP)

Two boats carrying asylum seekers have been intercepted overnight, including one boatload intercepted in international waters.

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Two boatloads of asylum seekers were intercepted overnight, including one that needed assistance in the Indonesian search and rescue zone.

Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said on Friday Australian authorities went to the assistance of one boat carrying 66 passengers and two crew, which was in distress in international waters on Thursday night.

The boat was in international waters about 100 nautical miles north of Christmas Island, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority assisting the Indonesia search and rescue authority BASARNAS.

HMAS Pirie found the vessel about midnight (AEST) after deploying a RAAF surveillance plane and putting out an alert to merchant ships in the area.

Another boat carrying 60 passengers and three crew on board was intercepted north-east of Christmas Island early on Friday morning.

The passengers from both boats will be transferred to Christmas Island for initial checks.

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Your Comments

Government interference

Den - from NSW, 8 months ago

this government should be giving them replacement boats a wooden dingy comes to mind and send them back out of Australian waters

Mr

James Hunter - from Metford NSW, 8 months ago

Makes one wonder what with the antics of Abbott and cohorts how many asylum seekers will conveniently have mechanical prblems or leakage or whatever as soon as they are in Australian waters? Not only do we have to house them and process them but spend millions of dollars "Rescuing"them Tony Abbott you have a lot to answere for.

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