ID :
132738
Tue, 07/13/2010 - 17:01
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/132738
The shortlink copeid
Another `asylum seeker` boat intercepted
A boat with 71 suspected asylum seekers on board has been intercepted in Australian
waters.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the boat was intercepted by ACV Holdfast
Bay on Monday night, northwest of the Ashmore Islands.
"Initial indications suggest there are 71 passengers and three crew on board," Mr
O'Connor said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
"The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection Dash 8
aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command."
The suspected asylum seekers are en route to Christmas Island for security, identity
and health checks.
"While their nationality is yet to be confirmed, if these asylum seekers are
Afghans, the processing suspension introduced by the government on 9 April 2010 will
apply," Mr O'Connor said.
waters.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the boat was intercepted by ACV Holdfast
Bay on Monday night, northwest of the Ashmore Islands.
"Initial indications suggest there are 71 passengers and three crew on board," Mr
O'Connor said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
"The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection Dash 8
aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command."
The suspected asylum seekers are en route to Christmas Island for security, identity
and health checks.
"While their nationality is yet to be confirmed, if these asylum seekers are
Afghans, the processing suspension introduced by the government on 9 April 2010 will
apply," Mr O'Connor said.
