Asylum seeker boat arrival near Christmas Island the biggest this year Asylum seekers arrive on Christmas Island. AUSTRALIAN authorities have intercepted a vessel carrying 184 asylum seekers and two crew - the largest boatload to arrive this year. The overloaded fishing boat was found north west of Christmas Island on Wednesday. Asylum seekers were taken to Christmas Island for initial healthy, security and identity checks. The mega boat follows a record month of arrivals in April with 3316 people reaching Australia by boat.