Authorities have intercepted two boats in Australian waters carrying almost 200 suspected asylum seekers.
Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said on Wednesday patrol boat HMAS Larrakia intercepted one of the suspected irregular entry vessels north of Christmas Island on Tuesday night.
Initial indications suggested 98 passengers and two crew were on board.
The Australian Customs vessel Triton intercepted the second boat in the same region on Tuesday night.
Mr Clare said it was thought there were 96 passengers and two crew on board it.
The minister said both vessels were initially detected by a RAAF maritime patrol aircraft.
'Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to Christmas Island, where they will undergo initial security, health and identity checks and their reasons for travel will be established,' Mr Clare said in a statement.
