ABF arrest Indonesian fishermen near Deliverance Island, west of Torres Strait

Border force authorities have detained 15 fishermen after finding two Indonesian boat crews alleged to be fishing illegally in remote waters west of the Torres Strait.

Border force authorities have detained 15 fishermen after finding two Indonesian boat crews alleged to be fishing illegally in remote waters west of the Torres Strait.

The Australian Border Force’s Maritime Border Command, with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, found the vessels near Deliverance Island – also known as the Warul Kawa Indigenous Protected Area – west of the Torres Strait, on Tuesday.

Authorities allege the crews were illegally fishing and carrying a “substantial quantity of fishing equipment which could have significantly impacted Australia’s healthy fish stocks”.

The 15 fishermen on board were taken to Darwin where they have been detained and could face prosecution.

Australian Border Force Maritime Border Command, with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, found two Indonesian fishing vessels near Deliverance Island. Picture: Supplied

The vessels and equipment were seized and will be lawfully disposed of by the AFMA.

Commander MBC, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, RAM, said this action should serve as a stern warning for anyone illegally fishing in Australian waters.

“If you fish illegally, you will lose your vessel, your equipment and you will be placed in immigration detention to face potential prosecution in Australian courts,” RADM Sonter said.

“The level of professionalism and commitment our officers are undertaking whilst working in difficult conditions demonstrates their commitment to protecting Australia’s marine environment and our most vital asset – our border.

15 fishermen have been detained in Darwin. Picture: Supplied

“Maritime Border Command is deploying multiple assets and utilising whatever powers available to deter, detect and take enforcement action in response to illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters.

“This process ensures a multi-layered approach to monitoring Australian waters using air, sea, littoral, and land assets combined with detection and enforcement effects.”

AFMA chief executive Wez Norris said efforts to prevent illegal fishing at its source were ongoing as well as a focus on strong enforcement action.

“Australia’s healthy fisheries resources are an attractive target for illegal fishing operators,” he said.

“AFMA and our partner agencies must remain focused on apprehending and prosecuting illegal fishers.”

Originally published as ABF arrest Indonesian fishermen near Deliverance Island, west of Torres Strait