Australia intercepts boat carrying 97 asylum seekers

Australian authorities have intercepted a boat carrying 97 asylum seekers near Christmas Island.

The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection surveillance plane and was then intercepted by HMAS Albany, a Navy patrol boat.

Customs, according to media reports, said the people onboard were transferred to Christmas Island for health and identity checks.

They also said another boat was found south-west of Darwin yesterday.

There were 78 passengers and two crew on board, and they will also be taken to Christmas Island for health and identity checks.