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THE terrain in which an unknown number of suspected Vietnamese asylum seekers are currently negotiating is unforgiving.

Waiting for them off the idyllic Cape Kimberley beach, where an illegal fishing trawler was found empty yesterday, is thick mangrove swamp and dense rainforest just beyond the soft, white sand partially spoiled by a 300m long oil slick.

Evidence of their daring escape continues to wash ashore this afternoon collected by Australian Border Force agents and SES members who are pacing the area.

The smell of diesel was still thick in the air as several items were collected and examined. A pair of black thongs could be seen amongst planks of wood, while fuel containers and empty packets of Indonesian branded snacks were among them.

Clothing, old rugs and a large blue barrel were just some of the other items rolling in.

There is only one dirt road in and out of the remote coastline opposite the famous Snapper Island, which is also home to one of the largest populations of saltwater crocodiles in the Far North.

Among the observers on the beach, dominated by news crews and journalists, include Daintree locals, some of which hold grave fears for the missing people.

“They won’t last much longer out there, this terrain is savage,” said Jack King, who often walked his dog along the beach.

“Anything could have happened to them by now. It’s probably best they turn themselves in but they’re probably lost.

“It won’t be much fun out in the scrub tonight, imagine the mosquitos.”

The Australian Border Force is remaining tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the search. Officers on site would not comment on the possibility some of the missing may have drowned.

A total of 15 people from the illegal vessel have already been detained. It’s believed the skipper and first mate are among those still on the loose in the Daintree.

“The ABF has a contingent of officers on site and is grateful for the support being provided by Queensland Police Service,” an ABF spokesperson said in a statement.

“We can confirm that a number of potential unlawful non-citizens have been located.

“The ABF and Department of Home Affairs will undertake the necessary border processes to establish circumstances around the arrival. As investigations into this matter are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The fishing trawler, blue with red trim in colour, can still be seen from the coastline despite reports it had sunk.

Four ABF quad bikes, drones, a helicopter and dog squad continue to search the area, but the whereabouts of the rest of the missing occupants remains a mystery.

More to come…