Mystery sailors did not have visas
TWO foreign nationals spent the night in immigration custody after Australian Border Force officers continued to search their racing yacht at the Southport Yacht Club.
The pair were the only crew members of the 12m Class 40 Akilaria RC2 yacht which was raided by Border Force officials on Monday morning.
The operation has been shrouded in secrecy with Border Force declining to explain their presence.
Investigators were seen coming and going from the yacht, named Exodus, carrying large, opaque bags yesterday.
A Department of Immigration and Border Protection spokesman said further details could not be released because the investigation was ongoing.
“Inquiries are continuing and the vessel may be transferred to dry dock for further inspection,” he said.
“Two foreign nationals, who were the only crew onboard, were transferred to immigration detention as they did not hold Australian visas.”
The yacht’s last port of call is understood to have been Panama but it is not clear where the boat originated.
Experienced boatie Bill Clayton said the yacht was capable of travelling great distances around the world.
“There’s evidence of weed growth on the stern, that it’s been in the water for some time,” he said.