A British fugitive wanted over drug offences in Western Australia has tried to flee the country by launching a jet ski from Queensland's northern tip and making a break for Papua New Guinea.

A water race ensued, with officers from three different police agencies piling onto a Border Force vessel and chasing the jet ski to an island just off the PNG coast, where he was caught.

The jet ski the man used to try and flee the country, laden with extra fuel and supplies. Credit:Australian Border Force

On Monday, a man, believed to be a 57-year-old British national, had been seen launching a jet ski from Punsand Bay on Queensland's northern tip.

Authorities believed the man was possibly armed with a crossbow and carrying fuel and supplies.