Maritime Border Command Apprehends Foreign Fishing Vessel in Torres Strait
Maritime Border Command apprehended a foreign fishing vessel and its crew suspected of illegal fishing near Warrior Reef in the Torres Strait on 19 October 2026.
The vessel, a fibreglass banana boat crewed by Papua New Guinea (PNG) nationals, was located by HMAS Cape Naturaliste. Authorities reported finding two shark fins and fishing equipment on board.
Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the boat and its equipment were seized, and the crew members were detained.
The crew has since been handed over to PNG authorities. According to officials, the seized vessel will be safely destroyed in compliance with Australian law as well as environmental and biosecurity regulations.
Australian Border Force (ABF) Acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Nicole Papathanasiou stated that combating illegal foreign fishing and protecting Australia's marine environment involves multi-agency collaboration throughout the year.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious border-related activities through the online Border Watch program.
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