Garngi rangers rescued foreign nationals stranded by boat. Local leaders say Australia’s border force is ‘asleep at the wheel’

Garngi ranger Clayton Chainsaw with foreign nationals rescued from the remote Croker Island, in Australia’s Northern Territory. Photograph: Clayton Chainsaw/Garngi rangers

Clayton Chainsaw is a Garngi ranger in West Arnhem Land. Last Sunday morning, off the remote northern coast of Croker Island, he was working with rangers and marine researchers, tagging turtles and other wildlife, when they spotted an illegal fishing vessel.

The Garngi rangers were annoyed. More and more foreign fishing boats have been active along the coast, which the rangers say poses a threat to sustainable marine ecosystems, border security, biosecurity and community safety.