Immigrant boat sinks on Christmas Island

SYDNEY, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Australian searchers have recovered the bodies of 27 asylum-seekers who died after their boat crashed into cliffs and sank off Christmas Island, officials said.

As many as 80 asylum-seekers, including women and children, were on a wooden Indonesian boat when it crashed Wednesday near Flying Fish Cove, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Customs officials said 41 people were rescued from the water and one person reached shore. Officials said a search for survivors would continue during daylight hours Wednesday, then authorities would decide whether to extend efforts overnight.

"Border Protection Command earlier deployed two assets ... to render immediate assistance and conduct the rescue," Customs officials said in a statement. "Ongoing investigations will be a matter for the Australian Federal Police and the West Australian Police, who will prepare a report for the West Australian coroner."

The asylum-seekers are believed to be from Iran and Iraq, ABC said.

"The boat hit a rock and smashed into pieces ... it was horrific," islander Kamar Ismail told the Australian broadcaster. "We traveled there to give a hand but it was just too dangerous for us."

Stephen Langford of the Royal Flying Doctor Service said three survivors have serious injuries and 30 people sustained moderate injuries.

"I understand in the rough seas crashing up against the rocks, it was like a whirlpool or washing machine, and people were injured that way," Langford said.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a statement it would take time before all the details are known.

"The government's focus and absolute priority now is on rescue, recovery and treatment of those injured," Gillard said.

Christmas Island is located in waters commonly used by immigrants from various nations in the Indian Ocean seeking asylum in Australia.