Merchant vessel assists vessel

14 October 2012

On Thursday 11 October, Merchant Vessel Glorious Sentosa, operating under the coordination of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) rendered assistance to a vessel north of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

For operational and safety reasons, the 34 people from the vessel were embarked on to the MV Glorious Sentosa.

The vessel was initially detected by a RAAF maritime patrol aircraft also operating in support of RCC Australia.

Yesterday evening, the people were transferred 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