Sydney (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Tragedy at sea off the coast of Australia. An Indonesian fishing boat carrying dozens of men, women and children, Iraqis and Iranians who were trying to reach Australia was wrecked in a storm on the rocks in front of Christmas Island. It is feared that at least 50 people have died, while another 36 were injured some severly. Lesleigh Green, spokesman for the Royal Flying Doctor Rescue Service said: "For the moment we think there are about 50 dead, 33 injured be able to walk. Three other injured are in more serious conditions. "
Two aircraft of the Royal Flying Doctor Service that took off from Perth to cooperate in relief efforts have not been able to land on Christmas Island because of the strong monsoon winds. The drama began at about 6 am local time on Dec. 15, when people who lived in houses near the cliff where the boat crashed, were awakened by the cries of the shipwrecked. Christmas Island is home to around 1500 people, and many flocked to the shore to try to help passengers, and were witnesses to the tragedy. The boat that apparently had a problem with the motor, capsized and was slammed repeatedly against the rocks by strong waves. Meanwhile, the Islanders were able to put some boats to sea and managed to recover some of the shipwrecked and bring them onto a larger boat of the Customs Service, which was anchored at some distance from the rocks.
Acting prime minister, Wayne Swan, said the rescue of the survivors was still in progress. " We have two boats there at the moment, we have a naval vessel and a Customs vessel. We will certainly do everything we can to bring you up to date when we have more information". The passengers were Iraqis and Iranians who hoped to gain asylum in Australia. The weather and high seas prevent ships landing at Christmas Island and there is no helicopter to guarantee transfers.