Katherine Police have apprehended two American nationals in relation to illegally travelling on a train destined for Darwin.

Police received a call from railway staff yesterday stating that two American tourists had been sighted lying on a mattress on a freight carriage headed to Darwin.

It is alleged the couple had illegally boarded the train at Alice Springs intending to travel to Darwin before leaving the country. Once sighted, railway crew gave the pair authority to travel inside the train until Police met them at Katherine.

The couple were apprehended by Police at the Katherine train terminal and were subsequently released; charges will be considered to be laid at a later date in relation to trespassing offences under the Northern Territory Safety Regulations.

Duty Superintendent Bruce Porter says "This trespass put the lives of the individuals concerned at extreme risk and could have subjected railway staff to considerable trauma".

"This is a very serious matter from a rail safety perspective. Railway safety is paramount and there can be no question that the actions of these individuals demonstrate the need for constant vigilance on safety issues".

"Though the issue of illegal trespassers riding trains is not a common occurrence in the Northern Territory it definitely is in other parts of the world which has resulted in fatal consequences".

"It is extremely pleasing to see the way rail staff acted with vigilance and in this instance diverted a possible serious incident".

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185