The Australian Navy has rescued 12 people from a sinking boat near Ashmore Reef off the West Australian coast.
The stationary boat was spotted by a Coastwatch plane late Wednesday about 80 nautical miles southeast of the reef.
The navy’s HMAS Ararat was sent to investigate, and found the boat was sinking fast because of a hole in the hull and its engine damaged beyond repair.
The 10 people and two crew members on board are being taken to Christmas Island.
In a statement, Immigration Minister Chris Evans says those on board have not made their intentions clear, but people-smuggling of refugees is still a problem in the region.
It is the third boat to reach Australian waters this year.
Sinking boat intercepted off Australian coast
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