Australian navy intercepts asylum seekers

DARWIN, Australia, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Australian Navy said it stopped two boats carrying asylum seekers in waters off northwest Australia.

The first boat, intercepted Thursday night, carried 29 passengers and four crew members. The second boat was stopped Friday, with another 41 people on board.

Both groups were taken to the Australian offshore territory of Christmas Island for health and security checks.

Australia has been dealing with an influx of asylum seekers who arrive on small boats from the Indonesian archipelago.