Dozens feared dead in asylum wreck horror

ABC News -

Dozens of asylum seekers are feared dead after their boat smashed into rocks and broke apart in rough conditions off Christmas Island this morning.

Customs crews and locals are frantically trying to save survivors of the wreck, near Flying Fish Cove.

Witnesses have described being woken up by screaming and then watching helplessly as bodies and wreckage were dashed against the rocks.

Local electrician Michael Foster has been taking part in the rescue effort and has estimated that about 30 people died.

"By the time I got down there and saw what was going on, there was debris and people everywhere with life jackets on and so forth but a lot of screaming and carrying on," he told The World Today.

"With the horrendous seas as they are, the only thing that people could do from the mainland was really throw life jackets back into the water or just advise them to swim away from the rocks."

Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan described the crash as a serious and tragic incident, and has confirmed some bodies have been pulled from the water.

He would not confirm, however, how many people were alive and how many had drowned.

At 3.00pm AEDT he said the rescue operation was still ongoing.

"You will be brought up to date as soon as we have a clear picture. At the moment the priority is on the rescue," he said.

"A number of people have been rescued, but sadly some bodies have been retrieved."

"It's a very difficult situation."

Mr Swan said Navy and Customs boats were involved in the rescue effort.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has released a statement saying she will return from leave tonight after receiving briefings on the incident.

"This has been a tragic event and it will be some time before there is a full picture of what has happened," the statement said.

"The Government's focus and absolute priority now is on rescue, recovery and treatment of those injured."

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