minister for home affairs media release

Border Protection Command assists vessel - 29 July 2010

Customs and Border Protection Command has rescued a distressed vessel approximately 85 nautical miles north west of Christmas Island.

A Royal Australian Airforce P3 Orion surveillance aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, located the vessel late yesterday and identified that it appeared to be in distress.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) co-ordinated a response.

Royal Australian Navy vessels HMAS Broome and HMAS Armidale responded to the incident and rescued 81 passengers and four crew from the distressed 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.

Media Adviser: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512