Australian Defence Force planes and a frigate are rushing to the aid of a fishing vessel 670 nautical miles off the coast of Perth after the crew issued a distress call.
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The ADF said Australian officials had been in contact with the Indonesian company which owns the vessel and there was no suggestion it was involved in people smuggling.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is leading the search and rescue effort.
Two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and one C-130J Hercules transport aircraft are involved in the search.
The planes are equipped with life rafts and other emergency items.
HMAS Anzac, a Royal Australian Navy long-range frigate, is due to arrive on the scene on Satuday afternoon, the ADF said in a statement on Friday night.
Australian Associated Press