An asylum seeker vessel carrying 208 people is under escort by Australian authorities to Christmas Island after sending a distress signal.
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesman said the boat called for assistance about 8.11am (AEST) Sunday and was located 45 minutes later by HMAS Parramatta, 95 nautical miles north of Christmas Island in Indonesian waters.
"The vessel was assessed by HMAS Parramatta crew to be seaworthy and functioning, with passengers found to have no immediate health or other issues," the spokesman told AAP.
Australian naval personnel remain on board the boat, navigating it to Christmas Island, where it is expected to arrive about 5am (AEST) on Monday under the escort of HMAS Parramatta.
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