The Australian Defence Force can confirm that aviation and maritime assets are responding to a distress call from a commercial fishing vessel approximately 670 nautical miles off Perth in Western Australia.
Australian officials have been in contact with the Indonesian company which owns the vessel. There is no suggestion this is a people smuggling venture.
Two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and one C-130J are supporting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority led search. The aircraft are equipped with life rafts and emergency items.
HMAS Anzac, a Royal Australian Navy long-range frigate, is due to arrive on the scene tomorrow afternoon.
Further updates will be provided as the search and rescue mission evolves.
Issued by Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
