Border Protection Command assists vessel

26 November 2012

HMAS Sydney, operating under the coordination of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia), has rendered assistance to a suspected irregular entry vessel that sought assistance north-north-west of Christmas Island overnight.

Initial indications suggest there are 77 passengers and two crew on board. 

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