15 December 2010 - 03H44
AFP - Dozens of asylum seekers are feared dead after a boat sank in violent seas off Australia's Christmas Island, according to a witness.
Phillip Stewart on Wednesday said he saw people drowning and others smashed against floating debris after their boat broke up against limestone cliffs on the remote island off western Australia.
"The tragedy continued for some time and we witnessed people actually drowning.... Unfortunately (they) were hit against the rocks," he told Sky News.
Australian government officials are yet to confirm details of the incident.
"I can confirm that there is a vessel in distress in Christmas Island," a defence spokesman told AFP."The search and rescue situation is ongoing."
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