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.
