In the waters between Indonesia and Australia, shades of 'the Voyage of the Damned. That was the name given to the ship which carried Jews fleeing the Nazis in 1939. That ship was turned away both by the United States and Cuba, and went back to Europe. Hundreds of the passengers later died in concentration camps. Well, tonight, refugees aboard a Norwegian cargo ship are in a similar state of limbo. ABC's Jimmy Walker reports.
Australian commandos armed with automatic weapons headed out to stop the Norwegian ship from docking at an Australian port. On board, 434 Afghan, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani refugees including 43 children and 4 pregnant women. All living in sweltering heat on deck. The commandos order the ship to leave Australian waters. "Australia cannot become the dumping ground for refugees in the world." This incident started on Monday after the ship rescued the refugees when their Indonesian ferry boat capsized. "Their condition of boat was very bad. It start falling apart." The ferry boat was reportedly trying to smuggle them into Australia. Now, nobody wants them.
Unofficial polls indicate that 90 percent of the people support tough measures after a wave of illegal immigrants recently descended on the country. And neighboring Indonesia claims it has no responsibility for them. "Australia should be first responsible for this because as a country of destination. So, Australia should take care of these people."
Today, Norway reacted angrily, saying Australia has violated international law. Maritime experts say Australia has jeopardized the time-honored practice of saving people at sea. In the meantime, the ship sails slowly off the coast with light boats for only 30 people.