The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has closed the dedicated information collection telephone line it operated following the sinking on 21 and 27 June of two asylum seeker vessels on their way to Australia.
Many people telephoned the department and sent information seeking information on their relatives or friends who they believe may have been on one of the vessels.
In accordance with Australia's privacy laws, the department is not able to release information about people who have arrived in Australia seeking asylum.
All people who survived the sinking have telephoned a relative or friend to let them know of their arrival on Christmas Island. They have also been issued with a telephone card which they can use to telephone other relatives or friends.
In a small number of cases we have been able to match the names of survivors with the names of people sent to us. We have advised the survivor about the person asking about them and encouraged them to call.
The information provided to the department has been sent to police agencies and to the Western Australian Coroner who is conducting an investigation into the incident.
It will be up to the Western Australian Coroner to release identities of the deceased once coronial processes are completed.
The Australian Red Cross (in partnership with International Red Cross and Red Crescent counterparts) is also assisting in providing tracing services for survivors and the immediate family members of passengers aboard the vessels, and is supporting the Australian authorities in their investigations into those believed to be missing or deceased.
As this incident occurred at sea Australian authorities may never be able to confirm the identities of all victims. Investigations into these incidents are complex and the outcomes and findings may not be known for many months. The Department is unable to provide further details at this time.
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