Customs capture 50 in Torres Strait

CUSTOMS officials have captured a group of 50 suspected illegal immigrants after their boat ran aground in the Torres Strait.

The people are currently being taken to Christmas Island where they will be detained and undergo health checks.

A spokeswoman for Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus said the group were transferred to a customs vessel on Thursday after their boat ran aground at Warriors Reef, 65km north of Thursday Island, and was detected by a border patrol aircraft.

The group's origin has not been revealed but the spokeswoman said they would be subjected to security and other checks to establish their identity and reasons for their voyage.