Chinese nationals discovered in remote Kimberley likely asylum seekers, escape harsh conditions unscathed

A group of Chinese nationals discovered walking in the remote northern Kimberley is suspected to be asylum seekers.

An off-duty police officer was the first to raise the alarm after discovering two men wandering 12km north of the Indigenous community of Kalumburu on Monday.

“I think they actually approached the police officer and they’re obviously wearing clothes that weren’t in accordance with the weather and the climate up there,” Police Commissioner Col Blanch said.

“Certainly, those individuals stood out to him, but I think the first and most important thing was to look after their welfare.”

The men were taken to the Kalumburu Multi-Functional Police Facility for medical assessment.

A wider search of the area was put in place, with another four men found the next day.

Police have established that the group arrived by boat but have been unable to locate the vessel.

“These were people who were likely seeking asylum, so they were seeking help and welfare,” Mr Blanch said.

“Some of the temperatures up there, as we know, could hit well over 45C and they needed food and water.

“I think our humanitarian approach to look after them first and foremost was the most important thing.”

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles was left red-faced and seemingly unaware of the situation when he was quizzed by reporters on Thursday.

“We will go through all of the processes, which we always do in respect of any incident of this kind,” he said.

The Australian Border Force has taken over the investigation.