FED: 3 feared dead after explosion on asylum seekers boat = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2009
FED: 3 feared dead after explosion on asylum seekers boat = 2

WA Police Assistant Commissioner John McRoberts said the explosion happened about 6.30am
WST (0830 AEST) on Thursday.

"It was probably very close to dawn," Mr McRoberts told Fairfax Radio Network.

The boat sank soon after the explosion and the asylum seekers were now onboard HMAS
Albany and HMAS Childers, Mr McRoberts said.

Defence personnel had some minor injuries but were not among the dead.

"I believe there's possibly some ADF people with some minor injuries," Mr McRoberts said.

The Royal Australian Navy would continue to search for the missing until there were
found or there was no prospect of finding them.

Mr McRoberts said it was too early to tell if the explosion was deliberate or not.

"That will be the subject of the investigation during the course of the day," he said.

Royal Perth Hospital is on standby to take burns patients because Royal Darwin Hospital
does not have a burns unit.

The Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services have activated the Emergency
Operation Centre in Darwin which includes the Royal Darwin Hospital.

NT Police Acting Commissioner Bruce Wernham said the EOC was on standby to support
preparation for reception, investigation and recovery.

The boat, which had 49 people aboard, was intercepted off the WA coast late on Wednesday.

It is believed the people on board were from Afghanistan.

AAP ah/jlw/bwl

KEYWORD: BOAT 3RD UPDATE 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

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