AB Peter Horne shows how he plucked a tiring, but rebellious, Indonesian fishing master aboard his RHIB.

An Indonesian fishing boat skipper dived into the Timor Sea from his 30 metre "iceboat" 300 nautical miles north west of Darwin in a desperate attempt to avoid arrest by the RAN patrol boat HMAS GEELONG.

For 10 minutes he dived under or swam around GEELONG's RHIB, defying attempts to get him on board.

"Eventually he got tired so ABBM Peter Horne grabbed him and pulled him over the bow," CO, LCDR Bob Platt, said.

The recovery of the fisherman ended a seven-hour operation during which the patrol boat chased the fishing boat, which manoeuvred to prevent GEELONG launching her sea boat. During the chase the fishing boat allegedly tried to ram GEELONG. It also failed to heave to when a volley of warning shots were fired.

"The drama began when a Coastwatch aircraft reported a suspicious contact 30 miles ahead of the ship about 7pm," LCDR Platt told Navy News.

"At the time we were patrolling the 'fence' of the economic fishing zone about 300 miles north-west of Darwin.

"We accelerated to 20 knots and soon afterwards held the vessel on radar.

"As soon as the iceboat saw us it took off for the line," LCDR Platt said.

"In an unexpected twist the iceboat altered course towards GEELONG and in a horrifying instant the intentions became clear. It was attempting to ram.

"With some quick manoeuvring a collision was avoided. We were just 12 feet apart.

"The iceboat resumed its dash for the line despite warning shots being fired from one of our rifles.

"We were left with few choices but to do an underway boarding.

"In a skilful display of boat handling AB Sam Perez put the RHIB alongside the moving iceboat allowing LCDR Jeff Williams, POB Ron Spethman and POMT Dave George with their shotguns, to go aboard.

"The vessel was brought to a stop and a search for the crew found them hiding.

"Meanwhile, AB Perez had returned to GEELONG to pick up the remainder of the boarding party, ABBM Mick Cunnington and ABBM Peter Horne."

The pace of the incident slowed as the sailors gathered evidence such as fresh fish found on board.

It was decided to escort the vessel to Darwin.

"On hearing he was going to Darwin the Indonesian master turned violent and started to yell. Without warning he bolted for the side and jumped overboard.

"The RHIB with Sam Perez and Peter Horne closed on him but he dived under water and swam away.

"The RHIB circled for about 10 minutes before he tired enough for the Peter, the bow man, to pull him aboard."

By Graham Davis