A significant incident has taken place in the Torres Strait as a large Indonesian-owned barge, the Nelly 112, has washed ashore on Athikho Poji Island. This unmanned vessel, measuring 100 metres in length, is reported to have drifted into Australian territorial waters after breaking free from its moorings during adverse weather conditions in Indonesia. Fortunately, no crew, cargo, or pollutants were aboard when it arrived, mitigating potential environmental concerns largely associated with such maritime incidents.

Authorities, specifically Maritime Safety Queensland, are currently coordinating efforts with the barge's international owner to facilitate its return to Indonesia. This situation highlights the complexities of maritime safety and management in the region, especially concerning uncrewed vessels that can unpredictably shift across borders due to natural forces. Local stakeholders, including Badu Island's traditional owners, are actively engaged in the response.

Edmund Tamwoy, a traditional owner of Badu Island, was among the first to respond to the scene, expressing his astonishment at the size of the barge. The event not only emphasizes the connectivity of regional nations through maritime channels but also poses questions about future regulatory measures to prevent similar occurrences, particularly as climate change continues to affect weather patterns and maritime activities throughout the region.