Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has refused to confirm claims by refugee activists that a boat carrying Tamil asylum seekers is in trouble.
Refugee activists said on Friday the 21m boat carrying 153 asylum seekers, which left from India, had sprung an oil leak and was 300km west of Christmas Island.
Mr Morrison said there were no significant incidents at sea to report.
"I am advised that I have no such report to provide to you today," he told reporters in Melbourne.
He would not confirm if there was a boat, if it was in Australian waters or if the government was taking any action.
Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said on Friday there were concerns the boat would run out of oil before it reached Christmas Island, and the government would try to divert the asylum seekers or leave assistance until it was too late.
Mr Morrison said the government's border protection policies had not changed.
He said the government did not comment on reports relating to Operation Sovereign Borders unless a significant event was involved.
"There is no significant event for me to report at sea," he said.
The boat was carrying 153 asylum seekers, including 32 women and 37 children, Mr Rintoul said on Friday.
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