Search for boat survivors abandoned

Authorities on Christmas Island have given up the search for survivors of
Wednesday's deadly boat crash but will continue to search for bodies.
Doctors have told the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) there is no longer
any reasonable prospect that anyone in the sea could still be alive.
The Australian Federal Police will continue to search shorelines, including using
police divers.
At least 30 asylum seekers, including 13 men, nine women, four children and four
babies, perished when their wooden fishing boat was buffeted by high seas and
smashed on rocks as it approached the island.
Rescuers have found 42 survivors but it has been reported that the boat was carrying
as many as 100 Iraqis, Kurds and Iranians.
The survivors are receiving medical treatment, including four men and two women who
were taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
The rest are at Christmas Island.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday the search had moved "from a
search for survivors to a search for bodies".
Mr Bowen said memorial services would be held in the Christmas Island detention
centres and other detention centres around the country on Sunday and Monday.
He said protests at the island's centres had calmed after almost 90 asylum seekers
held demonstrations on Friday.
"Emotions are raw in our detention facilities on Christmas Island. It has been a
very difficult time for all involved," Mr Bowen said.
He said he was continuing to work on an international solution with Australia's
neighbouring countries.