The 3,600-tonne frigate HMAS Arunta was 'crash-sailed' from her home port, Stirling, last week to provide assistance to the Tampa crisis off Christmas Island.

"She had just come in ... was refuelled ...and went back out again," the Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith said of the rapid dispatch of the ship and its Ship's Company of 164 led by CAPT Steve Gilmore.

RADM Smith described Arunta's role as "of great importance".

He said the ship carried a Seahawk helicopter and that the aircraft was fitted with a winch.

Arunta left HMAS Stirling on Wednesday, August 28 and is due off Christmas Island on Friday, August 30.

A number of RAAF Hercules transports were sent to the island carrying food, water, medical supplies and safety equipment.

Around 100 soldiers also flew in.

The Prime Minister said, "the Government is in the process of sourcing a helicopter with winching capacity to transfer any necessary supplies or other assistance from Christmas Island to the Tampa is necessary".

The emergency began early last week when a wooden vessel from Indonesia carrying 438 people, most from the Middle East and including women and children, got into difficulties in international waters between Indonesia and Christmas Island.

The alarm was raised when an aircraft spotted an 'SOS' on its roof.

Ships were asked to go to its aid and Tampa, being the closest, took the 438 on board.