Asylum seekers rescued near Tiwi Islands

Authorities have rescued a group of asylum seekers en route to Australia.

The 24 asylum seekers and three crew were rescued by Border Protection Command on
Thursday morning and have been transferred to HMAS Glenelg for transport to
Christmas Island.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the boat the group was travelling in was
initially spotted by an air patrol before a Border Protection Command vessel was
deployed to provide assistance.
The group was rescued 118 nautical miles (about 220km) northwest of the Tiwi Islands.
It is the 22nd asylum seeker boat to be intercepted in Australian waters this year
and the fourth in less than a week.
Mr O'Connor said the rescue highlighted the risks and dangers associated with such
ventures.
Those on board the boat are safe and had indicated they wanted to come to Australia,
he said.
The group will be taken to Christmas Island where they will undergo health,
security, identity and other checks.