1 Dec 2012

Two boats intercepted off Christmas Island

1:44 pm on 1 December 2012

Two boats carrying 147 people have been intercepted off Christmas Island.

Border Protection Command said 34 passengers and two crew were found on board the first vessel, which was detected north of the island on Friday night.

A second vessel carrying 109 passengers and two crew was detected nearby, also on Friday night.

AAP reports the passengers and crew have been transferred to Christmas Island for security, health and identity checks.