Northern Territory: Illegal fishing boats destroyed off Top End coastline

Almost 20 crew members have been arrested after their plan to get rich quick was foiled by ABF officers. Read the exclusive details.

Another two illegal fishing boats were destroyed at sea after they were intercepted near Money Shoal. Picture: Australian Border Force.

Two foreign boats have been destroyed at sea after Australian Border Force intercepted another three illegal fishing vessels off the Territory coastline.

On January 11, 2025, an ABF airframe sighted multiple suspicious vessels near Money Shoal.

ABF intercepted three vessels and seized a total of 720 kilograms of trepang and fishing equipment.

Only one of the three illegal fishing boats was not destroyed and instead escorted out of Australian waters. Picture: Australian Border Force.

In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, ABF elected to release one of the vessels and escorted out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

The remaining two vessels faced a different fate, however, with both destroyed at sea with 18 crew members arrested and taken to Darwin to await their court date.

The interception continues ABF’s busy start to the new year, with authorities having foiled a two-tonne sea cucumber haul off Cobourg Island on Saturday, January 4.

Acting commander Tracie Griffin says Operation Lunar is “in full force”. Picture: Harry Brill.

Last week, ABF announced at least a dozen illegal fishing boats had been caught under the newly launched Operation Lunar, which was initiated in response to a rise in illegal maritime activity.

Operation Lunar acting commander Tracie Griffin said the latest catch was a timely reminder illegal fishers “will be caught”.

“Operation LUNAR is in full force and ABF officers are working tirelessly around the clock

to protect Australia’s sovereign waters.”

Originally published as Northern Territory: Illegal fishing boats destroyed off Top End coastline