Manhunt under way for Pakistani crew member in Townsville

Manhunt under way for foreign ship crew member in Townsville
Angus Thompson May 2, 2021 https://www.smh.com.au/national/manhunt-underway-for-foreign-ship-crew-m...

A manhunt is under way for a crew member of a live exports carrier in Townsville who reportedly absconded onto dry land and breached quarantine rules.

According to Nine News, the Pakistani national disembarked on Saturday night after the ship, Polaris 3, docked at the Port of Townsville following a 17-day journey from Huanghua in China.

Queensland Police and Australian Border Force officials are looking for the man who, according to the Townsville Bulletin, is understood to be seeking asylum.

Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson, said another 11 crew members were also requesting to be granted asylum, and were being taken to a facility by government officials to have their claims assessed.

The ship has now been cleared to leave the port with 37 remaining crew members on board.

Mr Thompson said Border Force had cancelled the visas of the 12 crew members who had disembarked, 11 of whom had undergone COVID-19 testing which came back negative.

He said he didn’t know how the absconding crew member escaped or where he’d gone to, but it was a large port with a lot of vehicles entering and exiting.

“This is the first time it’s happened here ... my community deserves to know what’s happening,” Mr Thompson said.

Queensland Police declined to comment on the situation. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age has also sought comment from Border Force.

Queensland Health have said in a statement that the government agency is providing support to protect the community, and ensure the health of the officers from the agencies involved and the vessel’s crew.

“Crew members are being tested. However the risk to the community is low,” the statement reads.

Refugee Council of Australia chief executive Paul Power said if any member of the crew believes they need protection from persecution, they must be given the opportunity to put their case for protection.

The 147-metre Polaris 3 sails under the Panama flag.