Viking to battle fish poachers

The civilian operated but armed Oceanic Viking will soon be patrolling the Southern Ocean to deter fish poachers.

On August 31 Customs Minister Senator Chris Ellison and Fisheries Minister, Senator Ian Macdonald announced that P & O Maritime Services had been selected by Customs to provide a suitable ship and crew to conduct your-round armed patrols of Australian waters surrounding the remote Heard and McDonald Islands.

“The 105 metre vessel Oceanic Viking will be used by Customs and Fisheries officers for all future patrols replacing the polar ships Aurora Australis and Southern Supporter,” Senator Ellison said.

The ship will carry twin 50 calibre machine guns.

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