Asylum seeker boat intercepted

An asylum seeker boat carrying 59 people has been intercepted northwest of Christmas Island.
Fifty-seven passengers and two crew members were on board.
"The passengers will be transferred to Christmas Island pending removal to another country," a statement from Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said.
An RAAF maritime patrol aircraft spotted the boat before it was intercepted by a border protection vessel about 12.50pm (WST) on Saturday.