What nationalities were aboard the asylum seeker boat that sank?

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Asylum Seeker Boat Carried Nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka

Suspected asylum seekers from Iran, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka were among the 97 individuals on board the vessel that began to sink off Australia’s coast, north of Christmas Island, on July 12. The incident resulted in the recovery of the body of an infant and the rescue of 88 individuals.
Incident Details and Rescue Efforts

The vessel started taking on water on July 12, leading to the sinking. Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare confirmed that 88 people were rescued, while a search for approximately eight missing individuals was later suspended based on medical advice regarding survivability.
Prime Minister's Response and Policy Implications

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stated that Australia would prioritise efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers attempting to reach the country by sea. He highlighted the tragedy as underscoring the need for Australia to continuously adapt its policies in response to evolving regional and global circumstances concerning border security.
Broader Context of Asylum Seeker Arrivals

The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing arrivals. Australian authorities intercepted two other suspected asylum seeker boats shortly before this event. Data indicates that while 69 refugees arrived on three boats between 2002 and 2004, the number significantly rose to 17,202 arrivals on 278 vessels in the previous year. Tragically, 805 asylum seekers have died attempting to reach Australia since October 2009, according to the Department of Immigration.

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What nationalities were aboard the asylum seeker boat that sank?

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