Foreign Fisherman Dies At Sea

Foreign Fisherman Dies at Sea

A mariner aboard a foreign fishing vessel operating around 44 nautical miles north east of the Ashmore Islands died at approximately 8.46pm on Thursday 11 February.

HMAS Bundaberg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, located the vessel just south of the Seabed Boundary Line, with seven people onboard suspected of fishing for trepang.

During an onboard inspection, the master of the foreign fishing vessel reported having a headache. A Navy medical officer and linguist were transferred from HMAS Bundaberg to render medical assistance and conduct a medical examination. Approximately 30 minutes later, the mariner's condition deteriorated rapidly and he passed away due to natural causes.

The crew of the vessel expressed their preference to return to Indonesia with the body of the deceased mariner onboard. The fishing vessel was deemed seaworthy for the journey and assistance was provided to the crew in caring for the body.

The Australian Government has notified the Indonesian authorities of this incident.

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SOURCE: Customs and Border Protection