SIEV X sunk on October 19th 2001 in international waters on its way to Australia. Its passengers were mainly Iraqi women and children, wanting to join their husbands and fathers living in the Australian community, recognised as refugees but with Temporary Protection visas that did not permit family reunions. Many had been separated from their loved ones for years with no legitimate means to reunite and so turned to people smugglers to bring them from Indonesia to Australia. When SIEV X sunk, 353 people died - 146 children, 142 women and 65 men.

Family of SIEV X Inc. is an initiative of husbands and fathers living in Australia who lost entire families when the boat sank. Projects include -

Arabic SIEV X website;
stories and information about SIEV X available in English & Arabic;
local SIEV X memorials where the bereaved can go to grieve;
the memories of their loved ones to be honoured;
opportunity for survivors and bereaved to spend time together;
anniversary of SIEV X to be remembered.

The thousands of people in Australia who’ve expressed their sympathy and condolences in words, artwork, memorial services & ongoing support are warmly invited to subscribe to this yahoo group, & become a Friend of the Family of SIEV X.

To contact (Arabic) Mohammad 0413 288 719 (English) Sue 0401 238 567

This will be a low traffic list, providing occasional progress reports on Family of SIEV X projects.

For more information see www.sievx.com www.sievxmemorial.org www.seivxmemorial.com www.tonykevin.com