Newcastle Men Face A Life Sentence Over Massive Cocaine Haul

BY IAN CROUCH

Three Newcastle men accused of trying to import 700 kilograms of cocaine from Tahiti to Australia are facing the prospect of life behind bars.

Musicians Craig Lemke and Kent Jackson along with another man, Dennis Bath are facing drug importation charges over the $245 million haul which was found on a yacht intercepted near Toronto on Wednesday.

It's been revealed Lemke, who allegedly sailed the catamaran from Tahiti, had no idea he was being tracked all the way.

Australian Border Force Acting Assistant Commissioner, James Watson says authorities are always on the lookout for drug smugglers.

"It doesn't matter whether it's one gram or a hundred kilograms or 700 kilograms. Our officers are absolutely determined to work with all of our partners, both onshore and offshore, to detect and disrupt these kind of importations from occurring," he said.

Dennis Bath Was Allegedly On Board The Catamaran When It Was Intercepted On Lake Macquarie

Boat Destroyed In Early Morning Fire At Rathmines

BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is under way into the cause of a fire which destroyed a boat moored off Rathmines  early this morning.

NSW Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to Overhill Road at 1.45am to find a 35 foot catamaran ablaze about 50 metres off shore from Styles Point Park.

Firefighters used an RFS Fire Boat to reach the vessel and extinguish the flames, with the boat burning to the waterline.

Booms have been placed around the submerged vessel ahead of a salvage operation later this morning.

RFS Fire Boat Image: pittwateronlinenews.com