Border Protection Command intercepts vessel

HMAS Broome, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel south-west of Christmas Island last night.

Initial indications suggest there are 82 people board.

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

Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to 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