The Australian Border Force (ABF) has apprehended a foreign fishing vessel (FFV) and its crew on suspicion of fishing illegally in Australian waters.
On October 14, 2026, an ABF Dash-8 surveillance aircraft detected an FFV operating west of Cape Wessel, Northern Territory.
ABF officers from the patrol boat ABFC Cape Centaur responded and boarded the vessel where they identified evidence of suspected fisheries offences, including 10 kg of reef fish, 10 shark fins, fishing equipment and 80 kg of salt used to preserve catch.
Following advice from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the vessel was seized and its crew detained.
The crew were transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991(Cth).
The vessel will be safely destroyed in accordance with Australian law and relevant environmental and biosecurity requirements.
ABF-led, multi-agency enforcement activity continues to target illegal foreign fishing in waters off the Northern Territory, building on the outcomes and partnerships established through Operation Lunar since December 2024.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report it through Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.