Australia arrests 140 illegal immigrants

Australia arrests 140 illegal immigrants

CANBERRA, Australia (AP): A boat of illegal immigrants caught
by Australian authorities contained 140 Iraqis and two Indonesian
crew members, officials said Saturday.

After the boat was stopped on Friday night, it was escorted to
Christmas Island, 1,400 kilometers off the coast of Western
Australia in the Indian Ocean.

The incident was the biggest single attempt by illegals to
enter Australia.

Those on board were taken to a sports hall on the island under
Australian Federal Police supervision.

The 40-meter fishing vessel was believed to have come from
Indonesia. Authorities say they are unsure how the Iraqis,
including seven women and 13 children, got to Indonesia.

Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock said he was worried that
people-smuggling gangs may have shifted base from China. "I am
concerned about the large numbers of arrivals we've had this year
on relatively small boats from Indonesia."

He said two people had been arrested in relation to the
incident. Possible penalties include 20 years jail and fines of
up to A$200,000 (US$130,000). All were in good health, although
three were later hospitalized for dehydration.

Justice Minister Amanda Vanstone said after a search the boat
appeared to have been specifically fitted out for people
smuggling. "Plenty of food and water for 140 people. So the
assessment is that it appears to be especially equipped for this
purpose."