New boat arrives near Ashmore Reef

STAFF REPORTER, The West Australian April 23, 2010, 9:40 am

A boat carrying nine suspected asylum seekers and three crew has been intercepted near Ashmore Reef.

HMAS Maitland intercepted the vessel yesterday evening and the group is being transferred to Christmas Island, where they will undergo identity, security and health checks.

The nationality of those on board the vessel is yet to be confirmed.

Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said if the asylum seekers were Sri Lankan or Afghan nationals, their claims would not be considered for at least three and six months respectively, under a processing suspension introduced by the Government earlier this month.

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