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."