Suspected asylum seekers on the run in north Queensland
A search is underway for suspected asylum seekers after a fishing boat ran aground in far north Queensland.
Australian Border Force has detained 11 people after what’s believed to be an illegal fishing vessel was abandoned near the mouth of the Daintree River yesterday afternoon.
It’s unclear how many others are still on the run.
But it’s believed they entered the Daintree Rainforest, sparking a police and immigration operation.
It’s understood Border Force officials aren’t certain whether the people are asylum-seekers or fishermen whose vessel had broken down and drifted from international waters.
The last asylum seeker boat to arrive in Australian waters was in 2014.
State MP Michael Healy says the boat was discovered abandoned in croc-infested waters.
Katter Australia Party leader Bob Katter says it is a reminder the country needs more resources when it comes to border protection.