Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
22 November 2012
ACV Arnhem Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel east-south-east of Ashmore Islands yesterday.
Initial indications suggest there are 37 passengers and two crew 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.
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 –6277 7290