SEEKING ASYLUM

FORTY-FIVE nautical miles north-east of Scott Reef is the middle of nowhere.

It’s not the place to be one of 92 people adrift in a leaky boat.

The passengers experience crowding, seasickness and fear, and the constant self-doubt about the decision to deal with people traffickers and run from violence and war.

On the mainland we see a few seconds of telephoto news video and an official media release from the Minister for Home Affairs:

“HMAS Bundaberg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north-east of Scott Reef this afternoon. Initial indications suggest there are 20 passengers and one crew member on board.” (22 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel) ... More