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HomeAUMassive Cocaine Seizure in Sydney Harbour Strands Vessel Crew Members

Massive Cocaine Seizure in Sydney Harbour Strands Vessel Crew Members

NewsFinale Journal
By NewsFinale Journal
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A bizarre international drug saga has unfolded in Sydney Harbour, with NSW Police forced to rescue the crew of a vessel linked to a $1 billion drug shipment en route to Australian shores.
The 11 crew members on board were left stranded after the French Navy intercepted the MV Raider off French Polynesia on January 16, seizing 4.8 tonnes of cocaine worth more than $1 billion.
Authorities let the crew sail on after the drugs were dumped into the sea, however, three weeks ago they were denied entry into Australian waters near the Cook Islands.
The crew, who claim they were simply delivering the ship to its new Australian owner, have no idea when or how they'll get home.
The crew, who claim they were simply delivering the ship to its new Australian owner, have no idea when or how they’ll get home. (Nine / Supplied)
The ship was involved in a billion-dollar drug bust in January.
The ship was involved in a billion-dollar drug bust in January. (Nine / Supplied)
On Friday, the captain issued a mayday call off Port Kembla after the ship began running low on food, water and fuel.

Sydney’s water police were called into action to assist a cargo ship as it made its way to Sydney Harbour. The vessel now rests in Snail Bay at Birchgrove, leaving its crew uncertain about their journey back home.

The 11 crew members, who hail from Honduras and Ecuador, have not faced any arrests or charges and remain on board. They were reportedly tasked with delivering the ship to its new owner in Australia.

Ian Bray from the International Transport Federation has voiced the need for the crew to be repatriated. “The mission was to deliver the vessel to an Australian entity,” he stated.

Ian Bray from the International Transport Federation says the crew should be repatriated.

Border Force is providing the crew with food and water.
Border Force is providing the crew with food and water. (Nine)

“The purpose was to deliver the vessel to an Australian entity,” he said.

“This isn’t a case of people that are seeking asylum, or anything else, they just want to do their job and go back to their families.”
The people on board may have been unaware they were transporting illicit drugs into the country, telling authorities they picked the boat up in Panama and were delivering it to Australia.

Border Force is providing the crew with food and water, and they have also been questioned by customs.

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