A riot has broken out at the Christmas Island detention center in Australia, after Wednesday's boat crash which claimed at least 30 lives, local media reported on Friday.

Up to 100 asylum seekers, including women and children, were onboard a wooden Indonesian fishing boat when it crashed near Flying Fish Cove on Wednesday. The asylum seekers include Iraqis, Iranians and Kurds.

Authorities said the death toll from the Australia's Christmas Island boat tragedy climbed to 30. Among those who lost their lives are 13 men, nine women, four children and four babies. There are 42 survivors.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said given how much time had passed since the accident, it was unlikely any more would be found.

According to Fairfax Radio, eight Afghanistan detainees had escaped the custody of immigration officers on the Christmas island after the incident at approximately 5.30 p.m.

The West Australian reported that about 120 detainees, including about a dozen children, at the Christmas Island detention center went into protest on Friday, after some detainees were told they will be taken to identify bodies from the boat crash.

Police officers entered the compound to try to talk down the leaders of the riot as the detainees gathered in the corner of the center.

The Department of Immigration is yet to confirm any protest action at the center.