Over 30 asylum seekers intercepted in Australian waters after vessel hit by bad weather

A group of 33 suspected asylum seekers were rescued after their boat was destroyed by bad weather in Australian waters.

The group was taken to Christmas Island before they transferred to another location after they were detected by Australian authorities on Thursday morning.

The exact location where the group was located remains unknown.

A spokesman for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said they would not comment on operational matters.

In February 39 suspected asylum seekers were found in two separate towns outside of Broome after they arrived in WA’s north by boat.

They were flown to the small Pacific island of Nauru for offshore processing.

One property owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said that around 13 men were found bailed up by his dogs after they arrived in WA.

“Around 3.30pm on Friday I caught them up at the back. My dogs were keeping them at bay,” he said.

“They looked close to death and very dehydrated. They were pretty knackered and starving for food.”