The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) today activated a dedicated hotline – 1300 724 010 – to receive details from members of the Australian community who believe they may know someone who was a passenger on a vessel which has reported to have sunk in Indonesian waters early yesterday.

The hotline will initially be staffed 24 hours a day and has the ability to engage Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreters if the callers do not speak English.

The hotline is not able to provide information about those believed to have been travelling on board the vessel or any other details about the incident, as it can only receive information.

DIAC detention centre and case managers, as well as Serco managers throughout the network have been briefed about the incident and will provide support and counselling for those clients who may be affected.

The Australian Red Cross has been contacted to ensure DIAC clients in community detention have access to information and counselling.