Here's the text:A BOAT carrying 80 asylum seekers is in distress...

Here's the text:


A BOAT carrying 80 asylum seekers is in distress between Indonesia and Christmas Island.

An alert to ships has been issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority that the vessel is taking on water and may be sinking.

Australia's Rescue Coordination Centre has sent a Customs Dash 8 to the vessel's last known location 42 nautical miles south of Java, a spokesman for AMSA said.

HMAS Larrakia is on its way to the scene but is not due to arrive until later today.

Merchant vessels have also been directed to the scene.

An AMSA spokeswoman said HMAS Larrakia was expected to arrive at the location, 42 nautical miles from Java later this afternoon.

As well, merchant vessels in the area are heading for the scene. A Customs Dash 8 surveillance aircraft is also en route.

"We believe they are taking on water," the spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said the rescue mission was mounted after those on the distressed vessel contacted AMSA's Rescue Coordination Centre.


Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national-news/asylum-seeker-boat-in-distress-between-indonesia-and-christmas-island/story-fncynjr2-1226674873608#ixzz2Y9AOL4BS