Sri Lanka detains boat people
- 12 years ago
(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)
Sri Lanka on Sunday (July 29) detained 28 boat people on their way to Australia after they were rescued off the southern coast of the country.
It brings the total number of Sri Lankans detained for illegally heading to Australia by boat to 533 in July, local media reported.
Authorities said a French tanker rescued the boat people when their trawler developed engine trouble two days after leaving the eastern fishing port of Valachchenai on June 13.
The Sri Lankan navy then collected them 20 nautical miles (37 kilometres) south from the port of Galle.
Police said they will be charged in court for violating immigration laws.
Among the boat people were four women and a five-year-old child, authorities said.
Sri Lanka on Sunday (July 29) detained 28 boat people on their way to Australia after they were rescued off the southern coast of the country.
It brings the total number of Sri Lankans detained for illegally heading to Australia by boat to 533 in July, local media reported.
Authorities said a French tanker rescued the boat people when their trawler developed engine trouble two days after leaving the eastern fishing port of Valachchenai on June 13.
The Sri Lankan navy then collected them 20 nautical miles (37 kilometres) south from the port of Galle.
Police said they will be charged in court for violating immigration laws.
Among the boat people were four women and a five-year-old child, authorities said.