An operation coordinated by Border Protection Command has led to the apprehension of five Indonesian fishing vessels after they were intercepted inside the Australian Fishing Zone.

Following initial detection by a Coastwatch Dash 8 surveillance aircraft, Australian Customs Vessel Triton apprehended the vessels approximately 170 nautical miles north west of Darwin on Saturday, 24 November.

The total crew on board the five vessels was 53 fishers.

The vessels were allegedly fishing for Trepang, a marine slug more commonly known as sea cucumber or sandfish. Australian Fisheries Management Authority officers found approximately 2,300 kilograms of Trepang on board the apprehended vessels.

All five vessels were deemed unseaworthy or posed a quarantine risk and were subsequently destroyed at sea.

Commander Border Protection Command, Rear Admiral James Goldrick, praised the efforts of personnel involved in the pprehension of the vessels.

The fishers were taken aboard Australian Customs Vessel Triton and were transported to Darwin for processing.

The Triton arrived in Darwin early yesterday morning.

Media inquiries:
For further details contact Customs Media (02) 6275 6793