Fed: Migrant boat intercepted near Ashmore Islands = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2001
Fed: Migrant boat intercepted near Ashmore Islands = 2

The vessel was being escorted to Ashmore Islands, off the West Australian coast, Justice
and Customs Minister Christopher Ellison said.

"Australian Customs vessel Botany Bay intercepted the vessel soon after the sighting,"

Senator Ellison said in a statement.

"About 80 people believed to be of Middle Eastern origin and five Indonesian crew members
are on board the vessel, which is being escorted to Ashmore Islands."

Although seaworthy, the vessel would be assessed and destroyed at sea to reduce the
risk of unwanted disease being brought into Australia, Senator Ellison said.

It is the first suspected illegal entrant vessel intercepted by Customs since June.

A total of 53 suspected illegal vessels, carrying 4,295 people, arrived in Australia
last financial year, Senator Ellison said.

AAP lm/wjf/sb

KEYWORD: BOAT 2 CANBERRA

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