Four people from Sydney hotspot fined after entering Qld on superyacht

Four people have been fined after leaving a Sydney COVID hotspot and trying to enter Queensland on a 34.5-metre superyacht.

They were caught last week as the superyacht, Dreamtime, berthed at Southport on the Gold Coast.

Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell said while the crew tested negative to COVID-19, they provided false information upon arrival.

“Thankfully they all tested negative to COVID-19, which is a great relief considering they had attended the Wallabies versus France rugby international in Brisbane last week,” he said.

“As of 1 July 2021, anyone who provides false or misleading information or breaches the directions can expect an on-the-spot fine of more than $4000, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,785 or six months’ imprisonment.”

Mr Mitchell said two more sailing vessels, which arrived on the Gold Coast from the Sydney hotspot last week, were also stopped.

“A 68-year-old skipper was placed in government hotel quarantine and issued with a $4003 fine for failing to comply with a COVID-19 border direction while another skipper was fined $4003 and turned around at the border,” he said.

“The message is clear, if you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot and you cross our maritime border, you will be intercepted and face the consequences.

“The Chief Health Officer declared the Greater Sydney area a COVID-19 hotspot backdated to 21 June as the COVID-19 situation continued to escalate.

“While that situation exists, MSQ will rigorously challenge any vessels planning to enter Queensland waters.”