Last Saturday, The Australian Navy intercepted a high-powered speedboat carrying illegal asylum seekers off the coast of Miles Island in far north NT.
Upon investigation, the speed boat was found to be manufactured by Darwin-based company GS Marine, raising suspicions that asylum seekers are being assisted by Australian-based people smugglers.
The boat involved was a ‘Hydracraft 600’, a 6.2m 225hp aluminium speed boat, one of GS Marine’s most popular products.
A spokesperson for GS Marine, when asked about the suspicion said, “GS Marine is not responsible for any illegal acts committed with our vessels by their private owners.”
Further suspicion is raised by the fact that no unusual numbers of GS Marine boats have been purchased or stolen in the past six months. Pointing to either the company itself or perhaps a Darwin-based smuggling ring supplying the boats to liaisons overseas.
Tony Abbott said on this matter, “This is just further proof that we need to step up our efforts to turn back the boats. Under the liberal government any Australian citizens found to be involved in the assistance of people smugglers will be treated as harshly as their overseas counterparts.”
The Prime Minister declined to comment on the matter.
The Australian Navy, in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police have launched an official inquiry into the incident. The investigation aims to uncover the level of involvement GS Marine and its customers have with the smuggling attempt.
The boat is currently impounded in Darwin, and the driver of the boat held for questioning at an undisclosed location.
After questioning by the AFP, the 5 asylum seekers will be transported to Christmas Island for processing.
The HMAS Coonawarra, the vessel responsible for the apprehension is currently docked in Darwin, in preparation for another patrol of the area.