MEDIA RELEASE
Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch (02) 6264 2244
094.09
6
November 2009
Indian Ocean survivors arrive on Christmas Island
The 27 survivors rescued from a boat that capsized in the Indian Ocean this week
arrived at Christmas Island today and will be placed in mandatory detention under the
care of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
The LNG Pioneer, a Bahamas-flagged tanker that responded to the vessel in distress
call and rescued the survivors about 640km north-west of Cocos Island, arrived at the
island shortly after 10am (AEDST).
“The first priority for the department is the health and wellbeing of this group,” a DIAC
spokeswoman said.
“While they appear to be in good physical health, they will now undergo thorough
medical examinations to ensure any health issues are quickly identified.
“We are acutely aware this group has recently endured a highly traumatic experience.
Appropriate medical treatment and mental health support, including grief counselling, will
be available for the 27 survivors on Christmas Island.”
The survivors will be accommodated in groups in the Phosphate Hill detention facility
and the Construction Camp. This was determined to be the most appropriate form of
accommodation for them, given their circumstances.
The latest arrivals bring the total number of irregular maritime arrivals on Christmas
Island to 1151. The 16 people located off the Tiwi Islands near Darwin on November 4
are en route to the island and are expected to arrive early next week.
The group will undergo rigorous security and identity checks, which are conducted by
security agencies. Their reasons for travel and any claims for protection will also be
assessed.
There were 39 people believed to have been on board the boat before it capsized on
November 1. One person has been confirmed dead and 11 are still missing.
“DIAC will, of course, fully cooperate with police and the West Australian Coroner in their
investigation into the circumstances of the deaths at sea,” the spokeswoman said.
NEWS 
