By
LCDR Michael Moore
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Gladstone
sends her boarding party to stop the Thai fishing vessel.
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Photo:
LS Mal Fraser
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HMAS
Gladstone (LCDR Michael Moore) was involved in a hot pursuit of
a Thai fishing vessel last month that saw rifle shots fired across
the bow.
On January 21, Gladstone was on patrol in the Gulf of Carpentaria
and picked up four vessels on radar inside the Australian Exclusive
Economic Zone (AEEZ).
These four vessels were part of a larger group of about 20, the
remainder of which were safely outside the AEEZ line. Gladstone
shaped course and increased speed to intercept and investigate
the radar contacts.
As the vessels realised Gladstone was closing, they turned away
and “ran for the line”.
However, the southern–most vessel was now firmly in Gladstone’s
sights. As Gladstone neared the vessel it was hailed by VHF radio
to stop. In addition, flag hoists and flashing light signals were
sent to try and get the ship to halt.
The master of this vessel, now identified as Sumut Sakhon, was
determined not to get caught and even refused to stop after rifle
shots were fired across his bow.
Eventually, a snatch party was sent to scramble onboard and stop
the vessel which had large freezers about 70 per cent full of
fish.
Gladstone escorted the ship to Darwin.
