Four illegal fishing boats intercepted of WA’s northern coast by border protection authorities
Four illegal foreign fishing boats have been intercepted off the coast of Australia by border protection authorities.
A spokesperson for the Australian Border Force confirmed the Maritime Border Command stopped four vessels off Western Australia’s northern coast as part of Operation Leedstrum on Tuesday.
Camera IconAustralian Border Force were called to the area by locals who spotted the boat. Peter Tucker Credit: News Corp Australia
Dambimangari traditional owner Adrian Lane was conducting cultural mapping of the area when he spotted the first boat stuck in mangroves at Kuri Bay, about 370km north of Broome.
“It was just by chance that we happened to look in there … they’re sitting there high and dry under the canopy of the mangroves,” he told the ABC.
Local tour operator Peter Tucker said he called in authorities when the first sighting was made before assisting officials in locating the boat.
An Australian Border Force spokesperson said authorities found another three foreign fishing boats after further inquiries.
Mr Tucker told 9News there were about 10 men in each of the four boats, with all the men appearing to be in the 20s and 30s.
Camera IconFour boats were intercepted on Tuesday.. Peter Tucker Credit: News Corp Australia
The local revealed the community have spotted boats along the coastline several times in the last few months.
The Australian Border Force spokesperson said Operation Leedstrum ensures “an increased patrol and response capability in far north west Australia”.
They said this includes increased staffing, patrol vehicles and a rotary wing asset for rapid response to any BorderWatch reporting from members of the public.
“The operational response is ongoing and ABF will not comment any further than (to) say ABF/MBC pursues strong enforcement action in cases of illegal foreign fishing, in consultation with (Australian Fisheries Management Authority).”
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