Ship with suspected Lankan asylum seekers siezed in Canada

A migrant vessel of unknown origin, suspected to be carying Sri Lankan asylum seekers, ventured into Canadian waters off the coast of British Columbia on Saturday and was seized and boarded by the Canadian Police.
The ship was escorted by a navy frigate and two Canadian Police (RCPM) ships to a port in Victoria.
Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan said the vessel, sailing under the name "Ocean Lady," had 76 people on board and entered Canadian waters early Saturday morning.
When asked where the ship originated, Van Loan said there were early indications it came from Sri Lanka, though he stressed that information had not been confirmed.
The vessel was carrying unknown cargo. The RCMP, Canada Border Services and Canadian Forces worked together to apprehend it, Van Loan said.
"An RCMP emergency response team trained in maritime intervention boarded and took control of the vessel," Van Loan told reporters in Ottawa.
"A Canadian Forces navigational and safety crew is now piloting the vessel."
Pictures released by the RCMP of the ship appear to show people waving to a helicopter overhead. The individuals pictured are wearing civilian clothes. Some are shirtless.
The RCMP have called a news conference for Saturday evening to update the investigation.
In a news release issued Saturday, Sgt. Duncan Pound with the RCMP Federal Border Integrity Program said "investigators have confirmed that there are 76 individuals on board whose stated intention was to reach Canada."
The vessel was brought into port at Ogden Point, B.C., near Victoria Saturday afternoon escorted by the RCMP vessels and Canadian warship HMCS Regina. Officials are attempting to determine the admissibility of the individuals and goods on board.
Van Loan said the goal of federal officials is to ensure the security of Canada's borders while facilitating the entry of legitimate travellers and goods."The CBSA works closely with domestic and international partners to combat irregular migration to Canada, including smuggling and trafficking in persons." (The Star)