Passengers claiming to be refugees say they are in a leaking boat 300 kilometres off Christmas Island after spending two weeks at sea during a non-stop journey from India.

After being contacted by a refugee advocate, Fairfax Media spoke to two of the 153 people allegedly on board the boat, who told of their plight via satellite phone.

A female passenger, who identified as Tamil, said the boat was carrying 37 children and 32 women.

‘‘We need some help,’’ she said. ‘‘We are refugees.’’