Asylum seeker rescue

Reuters

by Reuters

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This boat carrying suspected asylum seekers was photographed shortly before it capsized in the Indian Ocean.

It's the second such incident in less than a week.

The crowded boat went down between Indonesia and Australia's Christmas Island.

At least 123 people have been rescued.

Prime Minster Julia Gillard told parliament that two merchant vessels and an Australian navy ship were at the scene.

SOUNDBITE JULIA GILLARD, PRIME MINISTER SAYING (English):

"Australia has been called on, once again, to lead a very major search and rescue operation. Once again Australian men and women have raced to help. They have gone to the rescue zone. They have gone in search. Once again we acknowledge their courage in doing so."

About 90 asylum seekers died less than a week ago when their boat sank in the same area.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters.