Jakarta: Six Bangladeshis were returned to Indonesia on Indonesian fishermen's boats after being intercepted by the Australian Border Force, according to an Indonesian police officer.

East Nusa Tenggara water police chief Teddy J.S. Marbun told Fairfax Media the six Bangladeshi "suspected illegal immigrants" left Kupang with two Indonesians on March 3. "They made it to Australian (waters) but their boat sunk," he said.

"The eight people then were rescued by an Australian customs ship for three days."

Indonesian crewmen Isai Rano (left with blue towel) and Lajimu (right) from Kupang at the East Nusa Tenggara water police office. Credit:Joy Christian

Mr Teddy said the men were then transferred onto nearby Indonesian fishing boats that were fishing near Ashmore Reef.

"They can't understand each other's language, so they just used sign language," Mr Teddy said. "The fisherman were given fuel and supplies, they know if you breach Australian waters, they will turn you back. So they took the eight people back."