Rescuers head for asylum seeker boat

A rescue mission is underway after distress calls were received from a boat believed
to be carrying asylum seekers off Christmas Island.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) says patrol boat HMAS Larrakia has
been sent to give assistance after they received word of an emergency situation
aboard the boat on Saturday afternoon.
The boat is believed to be carrying about 45 Tamils asylum seekers.
"We have received word that a vessel is in a distress situation about 19 nautical
miles South, South West off Christmas Island," an AMSA spokeswoman told AAP.
"A defence vessel is on its way and should reach the boat by about 8pm (AEDT)."
According to the Refugee Action Coalition, the boat left Sri Lanka on January 20,
but has been drifting without engine power for the past four days.