Border Protection Command intercepts vessel

28 February 2013

HMAS Launceston, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north-north-west of Darwin this morning.

Initial indications suggest there are 33 people on board.

The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection Dash 8 surveillance aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command.

For operational and safety reasons Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the people to be transferred to Australian government authorities in Darwin 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