| 56 passengers including 2 young children, and 2 crew Intercepted by Australian Navu |
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".Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel. The Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Albany, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel late yesterday north-west of Ashmore Island. The vessel was initially sighted by a RAAF P3 maritime aircraft, under BPC’s control, and HMAS Albany was directed to immediately intercept it..."
BRENDAN O’CONNOR MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS MEDIA RELEASE 13 October 2009 BORDER PROTECTION COMMAND INTERCEPTS VESSEL Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel. The Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Albany, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel late yesterday north-west of Ashmore Island. The vessel was initially sighted by a RAAF P3 maritime aircraft, under BPC’s control, and HMAS Albany was directed to immediately intercept it. Initial indications suggest there are 56 passengers including 2 young children, and 2 crew on board; however numbers are yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said that people smuggling is a world-wide problem and that Australia is committed to working closely with our neighbours to address the issue. “According to the UNHCR 2008 Global Trends report, there were 42 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide at the end of 2008, including 15.2 million refugees,” Mr O’Connor said. “Situations around the world mean that large numbers of displaced persons are looking for settlement in stable, democratic nations such as Australia, and can be targeted by, and fall prey to, people smugglers,” Mr O’Connor said. “People smuggling is not just an issue for Australia – it is a global and regional problem. The commitment of our neighbours, through bilateral cooperation and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, is critical to addressing this most serious issue.” The Minister said recent meetings with Government officials in Indonesia and Malaysia have led to positive steps forward in bilateral and regional cooperation to deter people smuggling. “For example, since September 2008, there have been at least 19 arrests of facilitators and organisers of people smuggling ventures in the region,” Mr O’Connor said. The AFP continues to provide support to foreign law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat people smuggling activities in the region. These close working relationships have results in a number of arrests and disruptions to people smuggling ventures in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. “Since September 2008, the AFP has charged 48 people with offences under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), including 44 alleged crew members and four alleged Australian based organisers. These offences attract a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.” Mr O’Connor said. “The Australian Government remains vigilant and committed to protecting Australia’s borders. The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security, identity and health checks as well as establish their reasons for travel.” |
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