Over 50 Indonesian vessels sighted, local fishers harassed

Police in Daru have raised a high-level security alert following reports of more than 50 Indonesian fishing vessels operating illegally within Papua New Guinea waters, stretching from the South Fly District in Western into parts of Gulf province.

The foreign fleet was first intercepted last month by a joint patrol of security forces and PNG Customs officials aboard a tugboat. However, the intruders managed to outmaneuver the authorities, using superior speed to escape into the open ocean.

Daru police confirmed to NBC News that the situation has escalated, with sightings now reported at the mouth of the Fly River, the Bamu area, and as far as the Turama and Kikori rivers in Gulf.

Locals in the affected areas have expressed outrage over the brazen theft of their resources. Reports from the ground indicate that the foreign crews are not only fishing illegally but are also raiding local nets.

“The Indonesian fishermen are allegedly checking and stealing catches from local nets, and destroying the nets in the process,” police sources said.

Further sightings have been confirmed at Moon Passage, the strategic reef corridor bordering PNG and Australian waters, according to local divers in Daru.

The tension reached a breaking point recently when auxiliary police attempted to engage the foreign crews.

"Our auxiliary police personnel at Fly River were advised to approach those Indonesian fishermen; however, they were nearly attacked by them," Daru police said.

Locals have assisted the investigation by providing photographic evidence after bravely boarding some of the vessels to document the incursions.

The National Fisheries Authority [NFA] has been formally briefed on the security breach. Sources indicate the NFA is now coordinating with the PNG Defense Force to dispatch a navy patrol boat to the area to intercept the fleet and secure the maritime border.

Attempts to obtain an official comment from the NFA were unsuccessful by press time last night.