One of our crews passed overhead BGC (Braganca VOR) and was cleared direct to SJC. When they were 15nm from SJC (Sao Jose VOR) under radar surveillance with Sao Jose Approach they were issued the following clearance:
"intercept the
ILS DME Y Rwy 15"
Their present course to SJC would not intercept the final approach segment and they believed ATM wanted them to fly to SJC then fly the base turn course reversal and maintain their last assigned altitude. The crew questioned the clearance and received extensive radar vectors to final instead.
What is the appropriate interpretation of the clearance?
Thanks!