Hunt for a Pakistani sailor who jumped off a ship and snuck into Australia

A frantic search is underway for a Pakistani national who escaped quarantine by jumping off a ship in waters off North Queensland.

The crew member was on livestock ship Polaris 3 when he breached international quarantine rules by jumping overboard while the vessel was docked in Townsville on Saturday night.

It’s understood the the border jumper made it to land and left the port in a white van and has not been seen since, Nine News reported.

The remaining crew still on the ship now want to leave the vessel and be granted asylum.

Livestock ship Polaris 3 (pictured) remains docked at Townsville after a crew member fled the ship and made it to land on Saturday night

The ship left Huanghua in China on April 12 and spent 17 days at sea before it arrived in Townsville on Thursday.

Australian Border Force confirmed a search for the man was underway but declined to provide further details.

Queensland Health has assured the community aren’t at risk and is working to ensure the health of officers from  agencies involved.

‘Crew members are being tested however the risk to the community is low,’ a spokesperson said.