Image via WikipediaAsylum seekers killed as boat hits rocks off Christmas Island - CNN.comAsylum seekers killed as boat hits rocks off Christmas Island
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW: Official death toll is released
- A boat carrying dozens of asylum seekers crashed in the Indian Ocean
- The group will be transferred to Christmas Island, police say
(CNN) -- At least 27 people were killed Wednesday after a boat carrying asylum seekers crashed into cliffs along the shore near the coast of Christmas Island, Australian rescue and Customs and Border Protection officials said.
Rescue officials were able to pull 41 people from the "dangerous" waters and one person was able to swim to shore.
"The rescue is being conducted in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions," the border protection agency said in a statement.
'"We will continue the search until last light and review the situation and determine what further actions might need to be taken before first light tomorrow."
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Most of the victims are believed to be women and children, according to Stephen Langford, medical director of Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia.
Most of the people on the boat were from Iran and Iraq, a rescue worker told Sydney radio station 2GB.
"Eyewitnesses told us that they saw babies being held in people's arms and then when the boat was hit by the wave and crashed up against the rocks, they could no longer see those young babies," said Jessica Campanaro, a reporter with the Australian radio station.
"There is an ongoing situation which involves a rescue of people off Christmas Island," a statement from Australian Customs and Border Protection said.
"Our paramount priority is the safety of all involved."
Thirty-three people have been rescued, but high seas are proving to be an obstacle, Langford said.
"The weather is really rough," he said and the rescue boat is unable to land on the coast.
The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security, identity and health checks and their reasons for travel will be established, according to the Customs and Border Protection statement.
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