POLICE HUNT: 9 caught and 30 still wanted after landing ashore north of Port Douglas
ASYLUM SEEKERS
At 9:00 tonight (Sunday), up to 30 irregular migrants are believed to be in hiding inside Queensland’s crocodile-infested Daintree rainforest, after their boat – believed to be a fishing vessel – foundered near the mouth of the Daintree River.
They are believed to be from Vietnam.
The Guardian reported that police confirmed a search was underway to find the migrants, who waded through waters to make landfall after their fishing junk ran aground just offshore on Sunday morning.
Newsport had been alerted this afternoon that a helicopter was searching the waters.
According to the report, some of the migrants were believed to be hiding in mangroves, which are infested with deadly salt-water crocodiles.
It is not known whether any of the migrants had sought protection from Australian authorities, or whether they were fishermen who ran into difficulties.
Douglas Shire Council mayor, Julia Leu, who lives on the edge of the Daintree rainforest, told the Newsport tonight that the missing migrants were likely hiding in the mangroves as in tourist season there will be a lot of traffic on the locals roads and the “word is out” about their arrival.
The migrants faced significant dangers from salt-water crocodiles, Leu warned.
“I’m concerned about anyone who is unfamiliar with the rainforest. Anyone who finds themselves in crocodile habitat needs to exercise extreme common sense – especially in the Daintree,” she said.
“Certainly it would not be pleasant trying to make your way through thick rainforest or mangroves any time of the day.”
The Australian Border Force (ABF) confirmed it was responding to what it believed was an “illegal fishing vessel in the vicinity of the Daintree River”.
“The ABF now has a contingent of officers on site and is grateful for the support provided by Queensland police service,” a spokesman said.
“The first priority is to confirm the safety and welfare of the people on the fishing vessel.”
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