Remaining group disembarks Oceanic Viking in Indonesia
18 November 2009
The remaining group of 56 who are among the 78 people rescued at sea on 18 October have disembarked the ACV Oceanic Viking in Tanjung Pinang.
Of the 56 people who disembarked, there were 46 men, five women and five children.
The men will be escorted by Australian and Indonesian officials to the Tanjung Pinang detention centre where they will be accommodated. We are advised that women and children will stay inan adjacent building which is separate to the centre, while their processing is conducted.
The Australian Government welcomes the realisation of the agreement between the Prime Minister and the Indonesian President that all those people rescued will disembark in Indonesia.
The Australian Government thanks the Indonesian government for its assistance in the disembarkation and its patience in working with us to resolve this complex and challenging matter.
The Australian Government recognises the work of the offices of the Customs and Border Protection Service and crew on board the Oceanic Viking as well as Australian Government officials working in Indonesia and Australia.
The ACV Oceanic Viking will resume normal activities under the control of Border Protection Command.
Media Contact:
Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567
Customs and Border Protection media: (02) 6275 6793
