Border Protection Command intercepts vessel

ACV Triton, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel west of Cocos (Keeling) Islands last night.

Initial indications suggest there are 55 passengers board.

The vessel was initially detected by a RAAF maritime patrol aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command.

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