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Navy intercepts boat near Christmas Island

Australian Navy personnel have boarded a vessel suspected of carrying 93 asylum seekers, said Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Conner.

asylum_boat_20110813_b_aap_948406316
(File: AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Australian Navy personnel have boarded a vessel suspected of carrying 93 asylum seekers.

HMAS Pirie intercepted the boat north-west of Christmas Island earlier today.

Initial indications suggest there are 93 passengers and two crew members on board, said Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Conner.

The vessel was initially detected by a RAAF maritime patrol aircraft which operating under the control of Border Protection Command.

The passengers will be transferred to Christmas Island to undergo security, health and identity checks and their reasons for travel will be established.


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