Border Protection Command intercepts vessels

12 October 2012

ACV Hervey Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels north-east of Cocos (Keeling) Islands overnight.

The vessels were initially detected by Customs and Border Protection officers on Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Initial indications suggest there are seven people on board the first vessel, and six people on board the second vessel.

Border Protection Command has transferred the people to Australian Government authorities on Cocos (Keeling) Islands, where they will have basic health and security checks. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will now make arrangements for them to be transferred to Christmas Island, where they will undergo further 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