|
Geraldton
makes catch of the day in Carpentaria
 |
HMAS
Geraldton makes her way back into Darwin with illegal
FFVs in tow and a Customs plane providing overhead surveillance.
Photo courtesy HMAS Geraldton. |
| |
|
Cessnock
hooks its share
On May 15 HMAS Cessnock (LCDR Matt Moncrieff ) and the Customs
patrol boat Dame Roma Mitchell apprehended eight Indonesian
fishing boats operating in a group several kilometres inside
Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The eight were
part of a total 19 Indonesian craft apprehended during the
period 12 to 17 May. The seizure of the 19 was the largest
haul ever of illegal fishing vessels in such a short timeframe.
The FFV scattered when they first detected the two Australian
patrol boats approaching but were quickly rounded up and boarded.
They were found to be fitted with dive gear and compressors
and to have several tonnes of trepang aboard. So far this
year Australian patrol craft have apprehended 53 FFV operating
inside Australia’s Fishing Zone.
|
During
the period May 12 to 23, some 28 Indonesian Foreign Fishing Vessels
(FFV) were apprehended and escorted to Darwin.
Nineteen alone were apprehended during the period May 13 to 17.
Authorities speculate this unusually large number is the result of
continuing good weather providing safe navigation and the change of
the season, encouraging fishermen to venture further from their home
ports than normal.
HMAS Geraldton (LCDR Terry Morrison) apprehended five Type III FFVs
fishing for shark fin deep within the Gulf of Carpenteria.
The FFVs were between 90-150 nautical miles inside the Australian
Fishing Zone, catching sharks, removing their fins and discarding
their carcasses.
During one apprehension Geraldton’s boarding party recovered
seven dead black tipped reef sharks and one dead eight-foot hammerhead
shark. Also during this boarding unusual bait was recovered which
looked like dolphin meat. Samples were taken as evidence and are being
investigated.
The vessels were towed from the Gulf of Carpenteria to Darwin, over
620 nautical miles away. One vessel only lasted about 160 nautical
miles before it started breaking up, took on water and sank. The other
four vessels made the journey and were handed over to the authorities
in Darwin.
Other apprehensions were by HMA Ships Geelong (LCDR David Moncrieff)
and Cessnock (LCDR Matt Moncrieff), and the Australian Customs Service
vessels Botany Bay, Roebuck Bay and Dame Roma Mitchell.
All 15 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats conduct these operations every
day, though Geraldton received extensive media coverage.looked like
dolphin meat. Samples were taken as evidence and are being investigated.
The vessels were towed from the Gulf of Carpenteria to Darwin, over
620 nautical miles away. One vessel only lasted about 160 nautical
miles before it started breaking up, took on water and sank. The other
four vessels made the journey and were handed over to the authorities
in Darwin.
Other apprehensions were by HMA Ships Geelong (LCDR David Moncrieff)
and Cessnock (LCDR Matt Moncrieff), and the Australian Customs Service
vessels Botany Bay, Roebuck Bay and Dame Roma Mitchell.
All 15 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats conduct these operations every
day, though Geraldton received extensive media coverage.
|
