BORDER PROTECTION COMMAND INTERCEPTS VESSEL
21 October 2009
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
The HMAS Albany, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel at approximately 4:35pm (AEST) on 21 October 2009 approximately 10 nautical miles north north west of Ashmore Island.
The vessel was identified by a Customs and Border Protection Dash 8 aircraft, under the control of Border Protection Command.
Initial indications suggest 22 passengers and 2 crew are on board the vessel.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said that Australia is committed to addressing people smuggling.
“Since September 2008, the AFP has charged 55 people with offences under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) relating to people smuggling, including 51 alleged crew members and four alleged Australian based organisers. These offences attract a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We must also remember that people smuggling is a global and regional problem.
“According to the UNHCR 2008 Global Trends report, there were 42 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide at the end of 2008, including 15.2 million refugees.
“Australia is committed to working with our neighbours, through bilateral cooperation and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, to address this most serious issue.
“The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security, identity andhealth checks as well as establish their reasons for travel,” the Minister added.
Contact:
Senior Policy Adviser, Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567 or
Customs & Border Protection media: (02) 6275 6793
