A family of asylum seekers plucked from the ocean after their boat capsized near Christmas Island have been sent to Perth for medical treatment.
A father and his three children, including a seven-month-old baby, were transported from the island early on Thursday, a Department of Immigration spokeswoman said.
"The decision to transfer is based on the client requiring medical treatment, which cannot be managed at Christmas Island," the spokeswoman said.
It is understood the children's mother went missing - feared drowned - after the boat upturned north of the island on Tuesday as it was being escorted to land by the navy.
It was initially estimated that 180 people were on board, but that figure was later revised to a lower estimate of 150.
The navy recovered 144 people but four asylum seekers drowned.
Share
