Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
15 March 2013
HMAS Ballarat, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island yesterday.
Initial indications suggest there were 65 people on board.
Border Protection Command has transferred the passengers to Australian 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 - 02 6277 7290