The Australian Defence Force has responded to a distress call from an Indonesian fishing vessel off the coast of Western Australia.
The commercial fishing vessel is currently about 670 nautical miles off Perth.
Australian officials said there was no suggestion it is a people smuggling operation.
Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Poseidon surveillance aircraft and a Hercules plane are supporting the search, which is being led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The planes are equipped with life rafts and emergency items.
Long range frigate HMAS Anzac is due to arrive at the scene on Saturday afternoon.
The Department of Defence said it would provide further updates as the search and rescue mission evolved.
