Four busted in Gold Coast waters trying to sail home from NSW

Authorities reveal what happened to four people caught in Gold Coast waters trying to sail from Coffs Harbour, NSW, to Cairns. SUBSCRIBE TO READ DETAILS.

FOUR Queenslanders on board a houseboat have been busted trying to sail into the sunshine state from Coffs Harbour.

The Cairns locals were intercepted by Maritime Safety Queensland marine officers off the Gold Coast about 10am on Friday.

A Maritime Safety Queensland spokesman said each of the four were fined $4003 and ordered to quarantine at Surfers Paradise hotel Voco at their own expense.

The Cairns locals were intercepted by Maritime Safety Queensland marine officers off the Gold Coast about 10am on Friday. Picture: DAVID CLARK.

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He said the 14 metre catamaran-hull houseboat was anchored in the Broadwater.

“Skippers are contacted by phone or radio for the number and identity of people on board, and are required to provide evidence such as Border Declaration Passes and proof of identification before gaining permission to enter Queensland waters,” the spokesman said.

“They are specifically asked if anyone on board has been in Victoria, NSW or the ACT in the last 14 days.”

Victoria, NSW and the ACT were declared COVID-19 hot spots on August 8.

People who have been in these hot spots within the last 14 days will no longer be able to quarantine within Queensland and will be turned away at the border, unless eligible for a border resident pass.