Boat carries suspected asylum seekers intercepted off northern Australia

Source: Xinhua | 05-11-2009 13:15

CANBERRA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities said on Monday that another vessel carrying suspected asylum seekers has been intercepted off northern Australia.

"The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo health, security and other checks to establish their identity and reasons for travel," Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus said in a statement.

Debus said the successful interception has demonstrated the effectiveness of Border Protection Command's targeted surveillance program.

It was believed the vessel has been carrying 31 passengers and three crew, Debus said.

The vessel, which was the 12th vessel intercepted this year, has been intercepted by the patrol boat HMAS Launceston and the Customs and Border Protection vessel Holdfast Bay.

There have now been 19 vessel arrivals since August, when the federal government has abolished temporary protection visas.

Editor:Zhang Yun