Diamond Lil back in business after citizen's arrest
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After a lot of hard work, Port Douglas institution Santiego Seafoods is finally fully operational again after an Italian tourist was arrested in late November following the theft and vandalisation of prawn trawler Diamond Lil.
Business owners Tracey and Laurie Moull said this week they would be ready to to start selling seafood at the Port Douglas foreshore again in mid March, with the prawn-netting season beginning this weekend.
“We have FINALLY got the prawn cooker up and running again after the theft,” they said.
“YAY.
“New nets have been made and are being put up (and) Diamond Lil has been all serviced, cleaned and repainted.”
The couple said they have also had inquiries about selling produce to other Queensland regions, as well as South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
“Stay tuned for more to come.”
In December an Italian national was charged with unlawful use of a vessel, operating a vessel without the appropriate licence, and wilful damage in relation to the incident with the Diamond Lil prawn trawler.
Joel Martinez, 25, appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court after he was arrested by police while tied to a pole near the Port Douglas docks following a citizen’s arrest.
Mr Martinez allegedly ran the boat aground after driving it away from the docks on Sunday, November 30.
The incident shut down the anticipated Sunday prawn sale at the Port Douglas Public Jetty, with Mr Moull posting a blunt message online to customers to explain why no prawns were available that day.
Photos of Mr Martinez tied to a pole, with his feet and hands bound, were posted on social media after the incident.
