media release

Border Protection Command assists vessel - 6 December 2012

HMAS Broome, operating under the coordination of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has rendered assistance to a suspected irregular entry vessel that sought assistance north-north-west of Christmas Island overnight.

Initial indications suggest there are 63 passengers and four crew on board.

The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection Dash 8 surveillance aircraft, also operating under the coordination of RCC Australia.

Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to Christmas Island, where they will undergo initial security, health and identity checks and their reasons for travel will be established.

People arriving by boat without a visa after 13 August 2012 run the risk of transfer to a regional processing country.

Media enquiries:

Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793