Aus intercepts boat carrying asylum seekers

Australian authorities have intercepted a boat carrying passengers who are suspected to be looking for asylum in the country,according to latest media reports here on Wednesday.

Authorities intercepted the 55th boat of this year just after 2000 hrs local time yesterday by HMAS Launceston about 30 nautical miles northeast of the Ashmore Islands,according to an AAP report.

Initial indications suggest there are 51 passengers and four crew on board the vessel.

Passengers will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security,identity and health checks.

There are 1487 detainees on the Christmas island,including 82 in tents that provide temporary accommodation to the increasing number of asylum seekers in the country.