| 78 Asylum seekers protest on australian customs ship |
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The Australian Government is working closely with Indonesian authorities to safely facilitate the transfer of 78 passengers on board the Australian Customs Vessel Oceanic Viking to the port of Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia. Working with Indonesia, Australia has been discharging its humanitarian and safety-at-sea obligations. We have been advised that the adult male passengers on board the ACV Oceanic Viking have commenced a hunger strike and are refusing to eat meals. However, they are drinking water. The women and children on board are continuing to eat and drink and are not involved in the hunger strike. A doctor is on board and will continue to regularly check the passengers’ health. At the time of writing, while no major medical problems have been identified, several minor ailments are being treated. Australian Customs and Border Protection officers on board the ACV Oceanic Viking are working to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of the passengers on board. The Indonesian Search and Rescue Authority is the lead agency and has been coordinating the response. The ACV Oceanic Viking will continue to transport the passengers to a safe location at Tanjung Pinang Port and the people rescued at sea will be given temporary accommodation until the relevant international officials can handle the case. Media Release by BRENDAN O’CONNOR MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS |
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