Australian authorities have confirmed they've been engaged in efforts to find a missing fishing boat believed to be carrying over 240 people that left India in January heading for New Zealand. Five months on the vessel has not been found.
We received the following statement from the Department of Home Affairs:
- Australia has been engaged with Indian officials since January 2019 to assist them in determining the location of the missing vessel.
- Australia has responded to all requests received from India via Interpol in relation to the vessel.
- The fact the vessel remains un-located after six months highlights the extremely dangerous nature of maritime people smuggling.
- This is why the Australian Government remains committed to strong border protection policies.
- We want to combat criminal people smuggling, and prevent people from risking their lives on dangerous and illegal boat voyages.
Immigration New Zealand said that while it doesn't comment on any 'specific venture' it is aware that people smugglers continue to express interest in targetting New Zealand, and is constantly working with international partners to monitor and respond to potential mass arrivals.
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