Customs intercepts asylum-seeker boat

A boat carrying suspected asylum seekers is being taken to Darwin instead of the Christmas Island detention centre.

The boat was carrying 35 passengers and one crewman when it was intercepted by the Australian customs vessel Roebuck Bay east of North Scott Reef last Friday, the federal government announced on Tuesday.

The passengers and crew were to be taken to Christmas Island off Western Australia for health and security checks but Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said that due to a health issue affecting one passenger and other “operational issues” the group would instead be transferred to Darwin.

This is the 54th vessel to arrive in 2012 and the 15th during June.

So far this year, a total of 3971 passengers and crew have arrived in Australian waters, including 870 people this month.

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