Three boats carrying a total of 165 people have been intercepted in Australian waters in 24 hours, authorities say.
The most recent one, carrying 90 people, was intercepted by HMAS Childers west-north-west of Christmas Island on Saturday, AAP reports.
A boat carrying 63 people, was intercepted north-west of Christmas Island on Friday night, with a second, carrying 12 people, intercepted nearby.
People on all of the boats will be transferred to Christmas Island to undergo initial security, health and identity checks before their reasons for travel are established.
