Border Protection Command assists vessel

15 March 2013

HMAS Ballarat operating under the coordination of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has rendered assistance to a suspected irregular entry vessel that sought assistance north of Christmas Island overnight.

Initial indications suggest there are 99 passengers including three crew on board.

Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to Australian Government authorities on Christmas Island, where they will undergo initial security, health and identity checks and their reasons for travel will be established.

People arriving by boat without a visa after 13 August 2012 run the risk of transfer to a regional processing country.

Media contact: Ryan Hamilton