The Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized a foreign vessel suspected of illegal fishing in the Torres Strait, as Operation Broaddstaff continues its crackdown across the region.
On Friday, August 21, ABF assets located the vessel and crew near Little Adolphus Island following reports from the community.
ABF officers boarded the boat and identified evidence of suspected fisheries offences, including 700 kg of salt used to preserve catch as well as fishing equipment.
The vessel was located before any marine life was caught. Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), officers seized the vessel and detained the crew.
The crew will be transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA in relation to suspected offences against the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
The ABF is working with partner agencies to determine the appropriate management of the vessel.
Operation Broadstaff is an ABF-led multi‑agency operation that was launched in February of this year to combat illegal foreign fishing across Far Northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Since January 1, 2026, the ABF has intercepted 24 foreign fishing vessels in waters off northern Queensland and the Torres Strait. Fourteen of those vessels have now been destroyed.
