TWO Portugeuese nationals have been detained by the Australian Border Force, after allegedly arriving unlawfully in Darwin.

It’s understood the people arrived at the Darwin Sailing Club on Thursday.
Meanwhile, three Indonesian fishing vessels have been apprehended northwest of Darwin, and are suspected of illegally fishing inside Australian waters.

The boats, and 12 crew members, were apprehended 180 nautical miles northwest of Darwin this week by Maritime Border Command.

Australian Fisheries Management Authority general manager of fisheries operations Peter Venslovas said the Australian government takes the matter of illegal fishing very seriously. “The ongoing work of AFMA and MBC continues to send a clear and consistent message to illegal fishers who enter Australian waters,” Mr Venslovas said.

“Illegal fishing activity will not be tolerated and we’re working hard to protect and sustainably manage Australia’s fishing resources.”

The vessels were initially spotted two nautical miles inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone by an aircraft.

Source: new.com.au