110 plucked from asylum boat
RESCUERS have picked up 110 survivors from an asylum seeker boat that capsized on its way to Australia from Sri Lanka with up to 200 people on board.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which is working with Indonesia's search and rescue authority BASARNAS, says search and rescue operations have continued throughout the night.
Two Australian navy patrol boats, HMAS Larrakia and HMAS Wollongong, and a number of aircraft are heading the search.
The 110 survivors have been taken to Christmas Island, which quickly activated its emergency management plan and prepared its hospital and medical staff.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Rio de Janeiro, where they are attending a UN environment conference.
Read more on this report at brisbanetimes.com.au
