Customs and Border Protection and Australian Federal Police intercept vessel

4 October 2012

Customs and Border Protection and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands yesterday afternoon.

Initial indications suggest there were 117 people on board.

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

Customs and Border Protection and the AFP have transferred the people to Australian Government Authorities on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will now make arrangements for them 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 - 02 6277 2790