A boat from Sri Lanka carrying around 200 people has capsized off Australia's Christmas Island.
West Australian Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said about 40 people were spotted on the upturned hull, others were in the water and up to 75 others may be dead.
"We have grave fears for the remainder," he told reporters.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the ship issued a distress call and capsized 120 nautical miles north of Christmas Island.
Two Australian navy ships had responded to a regional maritime alert and were on their way.
A number of civilian vessels are also on the way to the area.
Two Australian aircraft had been deployed including one equipped with life rafts. One of the aircraft, a fixed-wing P3 Orion aircraft was on the scene.
The Australian authorities said three other boats have arrived in Australia over the past two days.
West Australian Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said about 40 people were spotted on the upturned hull, others were in the water and up to 75 others may be dead.
"We have grave fears for the remainder," he told reporters.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the ship issued a distress call and capsized 120 nautical miles north of Christmas Island.
Two Australian navy ships had responded to a regional maritime alert and were on their way.
A number of civilian vessels are also on the way to the area.
Two Australian aircraft had been deployed including one equipped with life rafts. One of the aircraft, a fixed-wing P3 Orion aircraft was on the scene.
The Australian authorities said three other boats have arrived in Australia over the past two days.
