Wednesday wonderings

22 Jan 2014

The Australian Navy has been accused of physically abusing asylum seekers. In international news, a sixty-day state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok.

Navy accused of assaulting asylum seekers

Asylum seekers have accused the Australian Navy of physical abuse, with footage emerging of passengers receiving treatment for burns allegedly inflicted by the Australian Navy. The Federal Government denies the claims. The Navy is accused of beating, inflicting burns and making passengers hold on to parts of the engine while on board a boat being towed back to Indonesia. ABC News has more.

Teenagers rescue mother and three children from fire

Three teenagers could be nominated for bravery awards after helping a heavily pregnant woman and her three young children during a unit fire. Two girls entered a neighbouring unit to alert the mother, and help her out of the unit, while the third teenager called emergency services. Nine News has the full story.

Elderly woman dies waiting for ambulance

An elderly woman has died after waiting more than two hours for an ambulance to arrive in 40-degree heat. Workers admit the Victorian ambulance service went into overdrive during last week’s heatwave, causing unacceptable waits for patients. The woman’s call to the service was among 2500 cases responded to by Ambulance Victoria on Friday alone. Read more.

Aurora Australis arrives in Hobart

Passengers rescued from the stranded Russian ship stuck in the Antarctic have arrived in Hobart this morning aboard Aurora Australis. The Russian ship became stuck in thick ice on Christmas Eve. The 52 passengers were airlifted by helicopter a week after being stranded. ABC News has more details.

Thai government declares state of emergency

The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, spanning 60 days from today, to help contain protests. Anti-government protesters have blocked parts of the capital for more than two months, calling for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down. Read more. 

Prince Harry talks about his time in the Antarctic

Prince Harry has been reunited with the men and women he trekked to the Antarctic with, talking candidly about his time raising money for the charity Walking with the Wounded. The challenge was completed in horrific weather conditions. Watch the video on Seven News.