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Illegals hauled in
By LEUT Tracy Bellerby
Volume 50, No. 18, October 04, 2007 |
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ROUND UP: HMAS Maitland escorts five foreign fishing vessels and their crews into Darwin Harbour. The vessels had earlier been detected and detained by HMAS Pirie.
Photo: ABCIS Sarah Cruikshank |
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Armidale class patrol boat (ACPB) HMAS Pirie detected and detained five foreign fishing vessels in waters north of Darwin recently.
The successful apprehension was a part of an operation coordinated by Border Protection Command, involving Defence, Customs and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
On September 14, while conducting Operation Resolute patrols, Pirie detected and detained five foreign fishing vessels in the Australian Fishing Zone, near Evan’s Shoal, north of Darwin. With the five vessels and crews detained, HMAS Maitland was tasked with escorting the illegal fishing contingent into Darwin.
AFMA officers requested the foreign fishing vessels along with their catch of trepang, also known as sea cucumbers, be brought into Darwin for investigation. The crews of the foreign fishing vessels, totalling 57, were handed over to customs officers for processing. The illegal fishermen were then transferred into the custody of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
“The continued success of this operation shows the determination by all government agencies involved, in defending the Australian Fishing Zone,” Deputy ADF Commander Border Protection Command Air Commodore Ian Meyn said.
“Congratulations go to those involved for their continuing efforts in protecting our borders against illegal activity.” |
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