According to a media report, Home Affairs minister Brendan O'Connor said initial indications suggested there were 93 passengers and two crew on board.
The vessel was initially detected by an RAAF maritime patrol aircraft operating under the control of Border Protection Command.
A patrol boat, HMAS Pirie, intercepted the vessel northwest of Christmas Island today.
Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to Christmas Island, where they will undergo initial security, health and identity checks and their reasons for travel will be established.
Published 14 November 2011, 03:10 IST