Minister for home affairs media release

Border Protection Command boards vessel - 29 May 2010

Border Protection Command today boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel.

HMAS Larrakia, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded the vessel in the early hours of this morning in Flying Fish Cove at Christmas Island.

Initial indications suggest 53 passengers and two crew are on board the vessel.

The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security, identity and health checks and their reasons for travel will be established.

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.

Media Adviser: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@ag.gov.au

Customs and Border Protection Media: 02 6275 6793