Media Release
9 July, 2009
Incident in Indonesian Waters
Last night on the ABC's Lateline program I made some remarks about a boat reported to be in distress in Indonesian waters and containing some 70 passengers.
Australian officials were advised by Indonesian authorities yesterday that the vessel had been located and that the passengers were safe.
The remarks that I made on Lateline were based on that advice and that information.
Today, Indonesian officials advised the Australian Embassy in Jakarta that they were unable to confirm the information provided yesterday regarding the location of the vessel and its passengers, and that at least some of the information may have been relayed in error.
Australian officials in Jakarta today have been urgently seeking to clarify information regarding the whereabouts of the vessel and the safety of the people on board.
Australia continues to stand ready to provide assistance to the Indonesian Government in locating the vessel and its passengers.
Media inquiries:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555