The intact fishing boat.

Ablaze just before sinking.

LCDR Bob Plath and his ship's company in patrol boat HMAS GEELONG were right on target a few days ago.

They took advantage of an abandoned suspected illegal entry vessel (SIEV) to get some very realistic training.

The large Indonesian vessel had been apprehended at Ashmore Reef with 116 suspected unlawful non citizens (SUNCS) on board.

After helping HMAS GAWLER and HMAS FREMANTLE to ferry the suncs to Broome, GEELONG returned to Ashmore to dispose of the boat.

The crew of a Customs launch towed the vessel from the Ashmore Lagoon to where GEELONG waited.

For the purpose of the exercise the SIEV was designated a fishing vessel which had suffered engine failure and was taking water.

GEELONG's FAIDEX team swung into action and boarded the vessel, plugging the leaks and to everyone's delight the engineers in the team managed to start the engine and generator.

Although the two engines operated they were deemed inoperable thereby allowing for a towing exercise for the patrol boat's 25-person complement.

GEELONG towed the boat to deep water well away from the sensitive shores of Ashmore Reef and prepared for the final exercise.

Anything considered environmentally detrimental was removed and heavier loose objects were secured below decks.

The SIEV was set adrift and became a gunnery target.

GEELONG's gun crews displayed some remarkable marksmanship as the boat was riddled with 40mm and 12.7mm rounds.

The tracers from the opening salvos started several below deck fires and the craft was soon well alight.

Shortly after "check fire" was called the SIEV slipped beneath the waves with a single empty drum marking her last position.
The drum was dispatched with small arms fire and GEELONG resumed her patrol.