Boat carrying 58 stopped off WA

Authorities have intercepted a boat carrying 58 suspected asylum seekers off the West Australian coast.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said Australian Customs vessel Hervey Bay intercepted the “suspected irregular entry vessel“ west-northwest of Cocos (Keeling) Islands overnight.

Mr Clare said 58 people are believed to be on board.

They have been taken to Cocos (Keeling) Islands where they will have basic health and security checks and will then go to Christmas Island for more checks.

Mr Clare said people arriving by boat without a visa after August 13 run the risk of transfer to a regional processing country.