British fugitive tries to flee Australia on supply-laden jet ski
A British fugitive wanted over drug offences in Western Australia has tried to flee the country by launching a jet ski from Queensland's northern tip and making a break for Papua New Guinea.
A water race ensued, with officers from three different police agencies piling onto a Border Force vessel and chasing the jet ski to an island just off the PNG coast, where he was caught.
On Monday, a man, believed to be a 57-year-old British national, had been seen launching a jet ski from Punsand Bay on Queensland's northern tip.
Authorities believed the man was possibly armed with a crossbow and carrying fuel and supplies.
Officers from the Queensland Police Service, Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police gave chase on ABF vessel Roebuck Bay.
They caught up with the man on the eastern side of Saibai Island, fewer than 10 kilometres from the PNG mainland, and he was taken into custody at sea.
The fugitive was taken to Thursday Island where he was held by Queensland police pending extradition to WA. The jet ski was towed to Saibai Island.
ABF Commander Jo Crooks said it was a great result for the multi-agency team.
"Anyone who thinks they can either enter or leave Australia through the [Torres Strait] region without detection should think again," she said.
Torres Strait councillors and community members helped authorities by identifying the path the fugitive was likely to be taking on his way to the mainland.