Fed: Navy turns back suspected asylum seekers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2001
Fed: Navy turns back suspected asylum seekers

The Australian navy has turned back a fishing boat believed to be carrying 17 asylum seekers.

Justice and Customs Minister CHRIS ELLISON says the Indonesian vessel was carrying
20 people, including three crew.

Senator ELLISON says HMAS Leeuwin escorted the vessel back toward Indonesian territorial
waters yesterday.

He says the fishing boat was intercepted by the Leeuwin and HMAS Wollongong after a
Customs Coastwatch aircraft spotted it 22 nautical miles -- 42 kilometres -- from the
Ashmore Islands on Tuesday.

Naval officers boarded the boat and prevented it proceeding towards Australia.

Senator ELLISON says the vessel is the third to be turned back towards Indonesia in recent times.

AAP RTV lk/dl/rp

KEYWORD: BOAT (PERTH)

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