Asylum boats stopped after 000 call

UPDATE 11:47am: Two boats carrying asylum seekers were found in waters off Christmas Island last night after a passenger on one of the boats called 000 to say his boat was sinking.

Police advised Customs and Border Protection and the vessels were intercepted.

The distress call, made to Perth emergency services, was made just after 9pm from a mobile phone.

Neither of the boats were found to be sinking.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare confirmed today patrol boat HMAS Larrakia intercepted one of the boats, carrying 98 passengers and two crew members, north of Christmas Island last night.

Australian Customs vessel Triton intercepted the second vessel, carrying 96 passengers and two crew members, nearby.

The Minister said both vessels were initially detected by a RAAF maritime patrol aircraft.

He said Border Protection Command would now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to Christmas Island where they would undergo initial security, health and identity checks and their reasons for travel would be established.