The Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted a foreign vessel and its crew allegedly fishing illegally in the Escape River on the Cape York Peninsula.
The vessel was first sighted by local community members and reported to ABF, triggering a quick response under Operation BROADSTAFF.
ABF patrol boat Storm Bay was deployed to the area, intercepting the boat and crew on Tuesday (3 March 2026).
ABF officers boarded the vessel and identified 1,950kg of sea cucumber, 1000kg of salt used to preserve catch and fishing equipment.
Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and after consideration of the operational circumstances, authorities seized the catch and fishing equipment.
The sea cucumber were returned to the ocean and the crew taken to Darwin, where they will be subject to further investigation by AFMA for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
The vessel will be safely disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Maritime Border Command (MBC) Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said the swift interception showed Operation BROADSTAFF - working alongside the Torres Strait community - was delivering results.
"If you enter Australian waters to fish illegally, you will be detected and you will be intercepted," A/g Deputy Commander Dewar said.
"This response was triggered by community reporting, a critical part of our operational intelligence picture in the region.
"We are increasing our activities across the Torres Strait, whether that is interceptions, seizure of equipment, escorting vessels from our waters, vessel destructions or prosecutions.
"Illegal foreign fishers should understand there are consequences for attempting to exploit Australia's marine resources."
Since 1 January 2026, the ABF has intercepted 17 foreign fishing vessels in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Operation BROADSTAFF is a multi‑agency operation established last month to address a surge in illegal foreign fishing across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Every report of suspected illegal fishing is taken seriously and anyone with information about suspicious activity is urged to contact Border Watch.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
