Fugitive Tries to Escape Australia on Jet Ski

A joint operation between the Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police Service has resulted in the arrest of a fugitive allegedly attempting to flee Australia on a jet ski. 

The move follows information received by local police that a man, possibly armed with a crossbow and carrying additional fuel and supplies, had been seen launching a jet ski at Pundsand Bay near Bamaga, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the northern tip of Cape York. The man was identified as a 57-year-old U.K. national who was subject to an outstanding warrant for drug related charges in Western Australia.

He was attempting to cross the Torres Strait to reach Papua New Guinea but was located and detained on mudflats on the eastern side of Saibai Island - about eight kilometers (five miles) south of the Papua New Guinea mainland. The Torres Strait is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) wide at its narrowest extent.

“This arrest sends a strong message to would-be fugitives – our reach across Australia is second to none, and we will use all our contacts and relationships to find you and bring you before a court,” an Australian Federal Police spokesperson said.