Police will address the media this afternoon as a police operation continues in Newcastle.
170 have been arrested over unsafe behaviour in the water, serious disruption of a major facility, and other offences.
10 people also required assistance from police to return to shore.
The harbour remains open despite some serious disruptions.
The operation is ongoing.
Police have arrested over 100 people as a police operation continues in the Port of Newcastle.
Just after 10am today (Sunday 24 November 2024), a large group of people entered a shipping channel and interfered with the movement of vessels.
138 people have now been arrested after refusing to comply with a direction to move away from the channel.
The police operation is ongoing.
For their own safety and that of the other users of the port, police request that people refrain from entering the harbour with the intention to obstruct other users of the port. We also encourage all participants to follow the directions of police.
The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.
The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.
Three people have been charged as a high-visibility police operation continues in the Port of Newcastle.
About 1.45pm today (Saturday 23 November 2024), officers attached to Marine Area Command issued directions to a number of people to move away from a shipping channel due to safety concerns.
When two men – aged 27 and 59 – and a 26-year-old woman allegedly remained in the water, they were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were charged with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety.
They were all granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 13 January 2025.
A number of other people were not arrested on the water, but were assisted by police when they struggled to return to shore.
The police operation will continue over the weekend to ensure the safety of participants, the community, and users of the Port of Newcastle.
For their own safety and that of the other users of the port, police request that people refrain from entering the harbour with the intention to obstruct other users of the port. We also encourage all participants to follow the directions of police.
The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.
The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.
Three people have been arrested as a police operation continues in Newcastle.
About 1.45pm today (Saturday 23 November 2024), officers attached to Marine Area Command removed three people from the water at the Port of Newcastle.
Two men – aged 27 and 60 – and a 26 year-old woman, were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where they are assisting police with their inquiries.
The police operation is ongoing and more information will be provided when it becomes available.