A Sydney man on bail has been accused of going to extraordinary lengths to flee Australia, allegedly sailing abroad on his yacht, before hiding on a ship bound for Malaysia.
Police allege that the man was attempting to leave the country on a yacht on Saturday, when he got into trouble near Yamba, on the NSW North Coast, and was rescued by a passing ship.
The 31-year-old Peakhurst man was taken on board the bulk carrier and a tow line was attached to the yacht to take it to Newcastle.
But on Saturday night, police said the tow line had snapped, the yacht was missing, and so was the man.
An extensive marine search operation was launched on Saturday night and Sunday.
On Monday, when the ship arrived in Newcastle, Australian Border Force conducted a searched the vessel with the dog squad and police allege the man was found hiding in an air conditioning vent.
Police said the man was carrying more than $4000 in cash, and a knife, which will be examined forensically.
Police allege the man deliberately cut the tow line and planned to hide on the ship until it was due to depart Newcastle for Malaysia.
Subsequent checks revealed the man was wanted for breach of bail over an alleged sexual assault.
He was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with breaching bail.
He will appear in Sutherland Local Court later on Wednesday.
The post Stowaway accused of trying to flee Australia in ship air-conditioning vent appeared first on The New Daily.
