Border Protection Command Rescues 45 People
7 February 2010
Yesterday afternoon Border Protection Command received a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to assist with a safety of life at sea matter approximately 91 nautical miles south south west of Christmas Island.
Just after 8pm AESDT last night, HMAS Larrakia, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, reached the vessel and the people have now been safely transferred to HMAS Larrakia. The people on board the vessel have indicated they wish to come to Australia and will be taken to Christmas Island where they will undergo health, security, identity and other checks.
Initial indications suggest there were 45 people on board the vessel.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said last night’s rescue highlights the risks and dangers associated with such ventures.
“People smuggling is a deplorable act with organisers putting innocent people’s lives at risk. The Australian Government is pleased that the group is safe, but it is only through Border Protection Command’s and the Australian maritime Safety Authority’s vigilance that these people escaped greater harm”.
People smuggling is a world-wide problem and Australia is committed to working closely with our neighbours to address the issue.
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.
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.
Recent meetings with government officials in Indonesia and Malaysia have led to positive steps forward in bilateral and regional cooperation to deter people smuggling.
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 resulted in a number of arrests and disruptions to people smuggling ventures in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
The Australian Government remains vigilant and committed to protecting Australia’s borders.
