More boatpeople intercepted at Ashmore reef

Arrangements are being made to transport another boatload of suspected illegal immigrants to the mainland.

The latest arrivals were intercepted last night off the north Kimberley coast.

The boat was carrying 72 passengers, including 10 women, 12 children, and four crew.

It was spotted by a Coastwatch plane yesterday evening as it battled heavy seas, making its way to the Ashmore Islands.

The Customs vessel, Botany Bay, intercepted the boat and escorted it safely to the islands.

Navy patrol boat HMAS Gladstone is now at the islands assessing how best to transport the group to the mainland.

The Immigration Department says it likely they will be taken to the Woomera Detention Centre in South Australia.

© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation