AN Australian navy patrol boat has intercepted a boat carrying suspected asylum seekers off Australia's northwest.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said HMAS Armidale, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel southwest of Ashmore Islands today.
The vessel was initially located by a Border Protection Command Dash 8 surveillance aircraft.
Mr O'Connor said initial indications suggested there were 33 passengers and three crew on board.
"The group will be transferred to Christmas Island for security, identity and health checks, and their reasons for travel will be established," he said in a statement.
"While their nationality is yet to be confirmed, if these asylum seekers are Sri Lankans or Afghans, the processing suspension introduced by the government on 9 April 2010 will apply."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/another-asylum-seeker-boat-arrives-in-australian-waters/story-fn3dxity-1225880102454
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