Sunken vessel, Torres Strait
Twelve people have been rescued following the sinking of a commercial vessel which began taking on water last night near Deliverance Island.
Around 11.40pm, Thursday Island Water Police received information the eighteen metre vessel had taken on water causing an electrical fire.
The crew were unable to contain the fire and a decision was made to abandon the vessel. The crew and passengers safely left the vessel in a tender before taking refuge on nearby Deliverance Island.
The vessel sank in seven metres of water.
Around 7am a water police vessel arrived and collected the crew and passengers who are all reported to be safe and well. The water police vessel is returning to Thursday Island with all persons on board.
There are no suspicious circumstances.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
