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The Australian government has backed a plan to break the asylum seeker policy deadlock which would see centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea re-established to process refugee claims.
211 asylum seekers were taken to Christmas Island last Friday on two Navy boats after they called Australian authorities saying their boat had engine problems late Wednesday. The vessel was in Indonesian waters
“This boat was rescued by the Australian navy,” said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, adding that those on board included Sri Lankans, Iranians, Afghans and Pakistanis.
It is believed to be the largest number of people on a single vessel seeking asylum in Australia since Labour was elected in late 2007.
On Saturday, border protection boat ACV Hervey Bay stopped a vessel carrying about 31 people west of the Cocos Islands.
Later in the night a boat carrying 87 passengers was intercepted north-west of Ashmore Islands
On Sunday , 60 people were found on board a boat travelling north-west of the Cocos Islands.
Passengers on all three boats were transported to Christmas Island for processing.
More than 7,000 boat-people have arriving in Australia this year.
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