The Australian Border Force (ABF) has safely interdicted two foreign vessels and detained their crews over suspected illegal fishing in waters off the Western Australian coastline.
On September 22, 2026, a foreign fishing vessel was detected operating near Scott Reef off the Western Australia coast. Maritime Border Command coordinated a response by the ABF Cape-class patrol boat ABFC Cape Wessel to intercept the fishing vessel.
The vessel was boarded and evidence of suspected fisheries offences was identified. The ABF seized 33 kg of sea cucumber, 30 kg of dried fish, 20 fresh reef fish, five kg of shark fin and 300 kg of salt used to preserve the catch.
Two days later, the patrol boat ABFC Thaiyak located a second vessel and its crew operating near Cartier Island, north of Western Australia and inside the Australian exclusive economic zone.
Officers identified evidence of suspected fisheries offences, including fishing equipment and four fresh sharks ranging from four to eight feet (1.2 to 2.4 metres) in length.
Following advice from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the crews from both vessels were detained and remain in custody pending transfer to Darwin, where AFMA will conduct further investigation for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The vessels and associated property were seized and will be managed in accordance with Australian law.
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.
