SYDNEY - AUSTRALIAN authorities intercepted a boat carrying more than 70 suspected asylum seekers on Sunday, the latest in a string of such vessels stopped in the country's waters this year.

A navy patrol intercepted the boat seven miles (11 kilometres) north of Ashmore Island, in the Indian Ocean off Australia's northwest coast, Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus said in a statement.

The 73 passengers and four crew members were being taken to Christmas Island, an Indian Ocean territory where the government detains and processes refugee applicants. Their nationalities were not immediately known.

Australia has long been a destination for people from poor, often war-ravaged countries hoping to start a new life.

Most of the asylum seekers have come from Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka.

A recent rise in boat arrivals has stoked a political debate over immigration.

Last year, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd relaxed the mandatory detention policy for asylum seekers and allowed full residency visas for those who are accepted as refugees, rather than temporary visas granted by the previous government.

The opposition says PM Rudd's decision has made Australia a more attractive destination for people smugglers and their clients. -- AP