Five people who arrived by boat in the Northern Territory are expected to be sent to offshore processing after a Top End helicopter operator posted video of them online.
Australian Border Force and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke have refused to confirm the discovery of the men of where they are now, saying they do not comment on operational matters.
A brief video clip posted by North Australian Helicopters very late on Thursday night shows five men on a beach.
“SOS – Boat people that have been washed up on the northern coast for quite a while,” the caption said.
“Couldn’t understand a word of English, but maybe they hit Australian shores hoping to vote!!! How many more are there???”
The West has been told the pilot who found the men alerted ABF, who collected them about three hours later.
An ABF spokesperson said the agency “does not comment on or confirm operational matters”.
Mr Burke also said a statement the government did not confirm or comment on operational matters.
“There has never been a successful people smuggling venture under our government, and that remains true,” he said.
“When someone arrives without a visa they are detained and then deported.”
Discussion about this post