Australian authorities intercept boat with 53 8216;asylum seekers8217;

Australian authorities on Friday intercepted a boat with 53 suspected asylum seekers on board off the country8217;s northwestern coast,taking the number of such cases to 44 this year.

The boat,intercepted at around 10.40 am local time near Ashmore Islands,was carrying 53 suspected asylum seekers and two crew members,Home Affairs Minister Brendan O8217;Connor said in a statement.

The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security,identity and health checks,the Australian Associated Press reported.

It is the 44th boat of suspected asylum seekers to enter the Australian waters this year.