Canberra marks 25 years since SIEV X asylum seeker tragedy
On October 19, 2001, fishing boat SIEV X sank off Java with 353 people aboard, Australia's deadliest asylum seeker disaster.
A national memorial service at Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin paid tribute to those who died when the boat's engine failed in heavy seas. The vessel was carrying more than 400 people bound for Christmas Island.
The vessel capsized in international waters. More than 20 hours after it sank, Indonesian fishing boats rescued 45 survivors.
The SIEV X Memorial stands in Weston Park. Wooden poles mark each person lost.
Many of the victims' names remain unknown 25 years on. The tragedy happened just weeks after the Howard government turned away the MV Tampa.
This sparked intense debate over Australia's asylum policy.
- 353
- People killed
- October 19, 2001
- Date
- 45
- Survivors rescued
- More than 20
- Hours to rescue
Why it mattersThe disaster shaped Australia's approach to maritime border protection and remains central to ongoing debate over refugee policy.
AustraliaThe memorial is a permanent part of Canberra, and the tragedy continues to influence how Australians discuss migration and asylum.
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