The Royal Australian Navy, working with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) under the co-ordination of Border Protection Command (BPC), has apprehended four foreign fishing vessels with a total of 58 crew approximately 180 nautical miles north-west of Darwin.
The wooden vessels were intercepted by the Armidale-class vessels 'Launceston' and 'Glenelg'. The vessels were boarded by AFMA fisheries officers and BPC-assigned personnel.
Over 60 giant clams were found on board the vessels as well as a large quantity in their holds. Several drums were found to contain a large quantity of Beche De Mer (Sea Cucumber) and a number of assorted fish.
The vessels will be towed to Darwin where they will be inspected by AFMA and Biosecurity officials. The future of the vessels is yet to be determined. All 58 crewmembers will be taken to the Northern Immigration Centre.
AFMA will further investigate the activities of the vessel and may lay charges against the crew.
