Border Protection Command assists vessel - 5 June 2010

ACV Botany Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, this afternoon provided assistance to a vessel north of Scott Reef.
 
Passengers and crew of the boat indicated that they required assistance, which ACV Botany Bay provided under its obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.
 
The boat was assisted outside Australia’s contiguous zone but within Australia’s search and rescue zone.
 
The boat's engine was found to be unserviceable.
 
Initial indications suggest there are 46 passengers and three crew on board the vessel.
 
The group will be transferred to Christmas Island for security, identity and health checks and their reasons for travel will be established. The nationality of those on board has not been established.
 
If asylum seekers on this boat are Sri Lankans or Afghans their claims will be subject to the processing suspension introduced by the government on 9 April.
 
Media Adviser: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@ag.gov.au