VANCOUVER - More than a hundred would-be immigrants, picked up off the west coast of Vancouver Island, are on their way to C.F.B. Esquimalt near Victoria.

The group was holed up on a rusty ship, spotted in Nootka Sound. The R.C.M.P. believe its part of a human smuggling operation.

The ship was towed to Gold River last night and the people on board are being bussed to C.F.B. Esquimalt.

The ship was initially spotted by a Fisheries patrol aircraft. A coast guard ship was sent to investigate the mysterious ship, which has no markings, no name and was not flying a flag.

RCMP and Citizenship and Immigration officials will question the passengers and crew of the vessel and doctors will check them out.