Breach of national security - Darwin Naval Base

[link to au.news.yahoo.com]

A Darwin naval base went into lockdown earlier today after an armed intruder stole military-issue weapons and tied up a sailor during an early-morning raid on a Navy patrol boat.

Police have called the incident a breach of national security.

The ABC understands the break-in at the HMAS Coonawarra base, close to the Darwin central business district, happened about 1am.

It is believed a single intruder armed with a gun and wearing a balaclava boarded the Armidale-class patrol boat moored at the base.

A Northern Territory Police spokesman said a crewman on board was assaulted and tied up before the intruder broke into the boat's armoury.

He said two pump-action shotguns and a dozen 9mm pistols were taken.

An Armidale-class patrol boat would carry a stock of machine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, 9mm pistols and ammunition in its armoury.

Territory police Commander Richard Bryson says it appears the offender appeared to be familiar with the layout of the boat and ADF procedures.

He said a "cache" of weapons appeared to be missing.