Australian Government agencies including the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and Australian Federal Police continue to conduct a search and rescue operation at Christmas Island.

The search and rescue effort resumed this morning at first light (approximately 0530 local time, 0930 AEDST). Further decisions on the search and rescue operation will be made throughout the day.

The rescue is being conducted in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.

Approximately 100 Customs and Border Protection and Border Protection Command personnel are involved.  This figure includes Australia Customs and Border Protection and Border Protection Command personnel on ACV Triton, and ADF personnel, including those in HMAS Pirie.  The Australian Federal Police have 45 personnel assisting in this situation.

As at 16:00 (AESDT) 42 survivors have been accounted for.  Initial indications are that 25 adult males, eight females and nine juveniles have been rescued.

Tragically there have been lives lost.  At this stage it is believed that 12 adult males, nine adult females, two juvenile males, one juvenile female, one infant male and three infant females are counted as deceased. 

The recovery action continues, and these numbers may change.

Investigations into the incident are being led by the Australian Federal Police with the assistance of the Western Australia Police. This will initially involve Disaster Victim Identification response. Given the large scale nature of the incident the ongoing investigation will be complex and protracted.

There will also be a Customs and Border Protection review.  This will involve an initial collection of facts and an initial assessment identifying any immediate action required.  That information will then be provided to the AFP in the context of their investigation and their anticipated report to the Coroner.

The parameters of the investigation are a matter for the Western Australian Coroner.  A report will be provided to the WA Coroner upon the finalisation of the investigation.  The Coronial inquest will be a matter for the Western Australia Coroner.

Media enquiries:
Contact Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793