Sea Shepherd attacks Distressed ship

[MikeE1849]

http://www.icrwhale.org/pdf/110204ReleaseENG.pdf

4 February 2011
Bob Barker, Gojira activists sabotage Japanese research vessel Yushin Maru No. 3 even after
sending a Mayday signal.
At about 0710JST today, the Yushin Maru No. 3 (YS3), a Japanese Antarctic whale research vessel
was subjected to attack by the Netherlands-registered vessel Bob Barker (BB) and the provisionally
Australian-registered trimaran Gojira (G).
The G and two zodiac boats sent from the BB repeatedly approached the YS3 and deployed multiple
wire ropes (propeller foulers) in front of the YS3 course and threw multiple projectiles. At about
0910JST at least two of the wire ropes entangled in the YS3’s propeller.
At 0928JST the YS3 sent a Mayday signal. The attack continued for a number of hours despite the
mayday call. No attempt was made by the SS vessels to assist.
The BB activists deployed at least 10 propeller foulers and threw more than 80 butyric-acid filled
glass bottles and at least 5 smoke bombs against the YS3. More than 30 butyric acid bottles landed on
the YS3. The G activists fired multiple paint-filled projectiles from launchers and used a large sling
shot to fire more than 30 butyric acid bottles. More than 10 of these hit the YS3.
During the attack the YS3 was broadcasting a warning message and made use of its water jet-pump as
a preventive measure to make the activists desist from further approaching.
No injuries to the Japanese crew from the activists’ attack have been reported.
Japan’s research whaling in the Antarctic (JARPAII) is a perfectly legal activity carried out under the
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW). The Institute of Cetacean Research
strongly condemns the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) and its continued dangerous and
violent actions against Japan’s whale research vessels in the Antarctic.
The Dutch and provisionally-Australian registered vessel’s continuing attack even after the YS3 had
sent a Mayday signal not only infringes international law regarding the orderly navigation on the seas
but it is a clear outrage against humanity, that further demonstrates the need to put an end to SSCS’s
criminal activities once and for all.
We call on all related countries including the Netherlands which is the BB’s flag State and Australia,
the G’s provisional flag State and the virtual home port of the SSCS vessels, to stop condoning the
SSCS’s violent and illegal actions and to take every means available to prevent their unlawful
activities. Further, we strongly request that these countries deal with the SSCS’s criminal actions in a
strict and objective manner according to their international obligations.
NOTE : Photos and video to be attributed to the INSTITUTE OF CETACEAN RESEARCH,
TOKYO JAPAN.

[cmakin]

Sounds to me like they just might have a claim against the fine folks at Sea Shepherd, too. I hope they have some decent lawyers. . . .

[Tweak]

From Sea Shepherd's website:

Whalers Throw Spears at Sea Shepherd Crew

Up close and personal with the Yushin Maru No. 3, a mere 10 feet away from the Gojira.
Photo: Simon Ager

The Yushin Maru No. 3 deliberately turned into Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s ship the Gojira today in an attempt to ram and destroy the fast multi hulled vessel skippered by Captain Locky MacLean.
“It was like staring death in the face when that steel hull suddenly turned into us. We just narrowly avoided being cut in half,” said Captain MacLean.
Both vessels were on a parallel course, with the Yushin Maru No. 3 on the starboard side of the Gojira. Suddenly the Yushin Maru No. 3 made a hard turn to their port in an attempt to disable the Gojira.
Captain MacLean saw this in time to hit the throttle, effectively avoiding collision with the Yushin Maru No. 3 with the stern of the Gojira by a mere 10 feet.
Delta boat operator Chad Halstead narrowly avoided being injured when one of the whalers threw a bamboo spear at the boat crew. Sea Shepherd crew recovered a few of these potentially lethal bamboo spears.

The Yushin Maru No. 3 approaching the stern of
the Gojira. Photo: Simon Ager

The Gojira and the small boats from the Bob Barker were harassing the Yushin Maru No. 3 with stink and paint bombs in an attempt to keep the whaler from tailing Sea Shepherd’s vessel the Bob Barker. The operation was a success. The Bob Barker has lost its tail and is now free to search out the Japanese Nisshin Maru factory ship.
With the Bob Barker escaping their grasp, the Yushin Maru No. 3 issued an international distress signal saying they were under attack by Sea Shepherd ships the Bob Barker and the Gojira. However,the Bob Barker was over seven miles away when the whalers issued their distress signal.
Both the Bob Barker and the Gojira acknowledged the distress signal and radioed the Yushin Maru No. 3 to inquire as to the nature of their distress. They were radioed three times in Japanese and in English but refused to reply.
Despite the fact that Sea Shepherd responded to the distress from the whalers and recorded and monitored this acknowledgment, the Institute for Cetacean Research issued a media release accusing Sea Shepherd of not offering assistance when in fact assistance was offered three times.
The Gojira radioed the Yushin Maru No. 3 stating that they would not be hassled if they stopped trailing the Bob Barker. Sea Shepherd views the tailing of their ships as provocation.
The Bob Barker is now free and clear of the Yushin Maru No. 3 and able to continue the pursuit of the Nisshin Maru. The Bob Barker and the Gojira will continue to pursue and harass the Japanese whaling fleet while the Sea Shepherd flagship the Steve Irwin refuels and takes on supplies in Wellington, New Zealand.

Quite frankly, I don't see either side as ever being credible with their side of the story. It's always the same story over and over, both sides put out video "evidence" supporting their claim, which is just the same thing from different angles, the time lines always greatly differ, it's as laughable as two sides telling their side of a story on Judge Judy. Sea Shepherd claims they radioed the Japanese ship, which really isn't enough of a response to a mayday, but at the same time, I'm curious what the mayday call was about to begin with, or if it was a false call.

[Steamer]

"I'm curious what the mayday call was about to begin with, or if it was a false call."

Well, duh ... it was a mayday call because they had a couple of wires wrapped around the screws. The fact (?) that those wires were put there by the Sea Shepard crew seems irrelevant because it appears the Japanese called mayday just to go on record as having declared an emergency.

The whole episode is worthy of ridicule. They call mayday but don't respond to a nearby vessel's offer of assistance. The only other vessels within useful range are their own fellow whalers. Did they stop whaling and "rescue" them? Did they call mayday on anything other than the VHF? It seems like the mayday was either crying "uncle" so they would gain the high ground and force Sea Shepards to leave them alone, or simply to be able to use it for PR purposes later, as they have.

Sea Shepard should have gone on record offering to take their crew off, tow them, salvage them or any other of the "normal" responses to a mayday call. If the Japanese refused all assistance or to even acknowledge the vessel offering assistance then it wasn't an emergency rating a call for help then was it? I suspect the mayday didn't go beyond VHF range and it was purely for the audio record.

[MikeE1849]

Steamer, part of the Mayday was that they were under attack from the Gojira and a 1-2 RHIBs from the Bob Barker. Would you respond to a dangerous group for 'assisstance that is at the same time attacking you and throwing flares and dangerous chemicals at you?

[KennyW1983]

The Sea Shepherds are a bunch of pirates and should be treated the same way as the Somilian pirates. Weather you agree with them or not there is a different way to go about it. Im suprised they havent wiped themselves out in some dumb accident. They are not mariners they are a bunch of tofu eating hippies who are asking for trouble.

[cappy208]

The Sea Shepherds are a bunch of pirates They are not mariners they are a bunch of tofu eating hippies who are asking for trouble.

Ditto What Kenny said!!!!

[Steamer]

"Would you respond to a dangerous group for assisstance ...?"

Probably not but then again I wouldn't whine about them not attempting to assist if I threw spears at them.

"No attempt was made by the SS vessels to assist."

[Kennebec Captain]

" A Mayday situation is one in which a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Examples of "grave and imminent danger" in which a Mayday call would be appropriate include fire, explosion or sinking."

[cappy208]

Although I usually refrain from commenting about this type of thing...... The intentional fouling of a vessels' propulsion is a different thing entirely. To have SS take the view that making a vessel immobile, laying side too, and being unable to make way is an acceptable form of 'marine conduct' is pretty lousy. I understand the political problems of the whaling industry (although I don't agree with SS) But to endanger sailors lives in the pursuit of the ends is pretty lame.

[MikeE1849]

"Would you respond to a dangerous group for assisstance ...?"

Probably not but then again I wouldn't whine about them not attempting to assist if I threw spears at them.

"No attempt was made by the SS vessels to assist."

That wasn't a spear they broke off a bamboo pole that are alogn side the ship to stop the RHIBS from getting that close adn it fell into the boat. Watch the video again, there isn't even apoint. They were actually attempting to border the ship

[sgtharper]

just to point out what kenny said about SSCS being pirates Each ship flies the flag of a respectable recognised country there for they are not pirates.

Robert James
..:: http://oceanicdiscussion.proboards.com ::..

[cappy208]

In this case the 'flag' they fly is simply a matter of convenience. Their attempts to board, take control of, and overwhelm the other vessels IS a form of piracy. They have given up on the peaceful protesting of whaling. They then went to confrontation. Then they went so far as to board and try to do a citizens arrest of the captain of the whaler. Since none of those tactics worked, now they are trying to foul the propeller of a vessel which is underway at sea. I believe you could call this 'political piracy.'

[dougpine]

just to point out what kenny said about SSCS being pirates Each ship flies the flag of a respectable recognised country there for they are not pirates.

Robert James
..:: http://oceanicdiscussion.proboards.com ::..

I didn't know that flying a "respectable" flag absolves you of wrongdoing. That clears up some recent misunderstandings I've had.

[TRSmariner]

wow really??? As proffesional mariners please tell me we are all in agreement that the Sea Shepard Crew are a joke. I watch the show occasionally for the comic relief. Bottom line high seas Sea Shepard innitiates a possible disableing attack on your vessel what do you do. kennyw I am onboard with you the sea shepard crew are a bunch of neglagent idiots!

[anchorman]

"Reason means truth and those who are not governed by it take the chance that someday the sunken fact will rip the bottom out of their boat" ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932

[DeckApe]

Those people are not pirates as pirates are in it for money or profit.

SS is acting on their personal convictions and beliefs much like any common terrorist. A terrorist will often fly national colors, just as SS does. And a terrorist will gladly risk his own life to achieve his goals.

One may agree or disagree with their desire to save the whales but in the end SS are little more than terrorists. Anyone confronted with a terrorist should have the right to use deadly force in their own defense.

[MikeE1849]

the AMSA has told the Gojira that the YM3 is not in distress and the Gojira left the scene. I find this unusual as i feel the YM3 was in danger with the Gojira waiting to attack if they moved again after being disabled by them.
How arrogant of them to offer assistance even after attacking them. Isnt AUS or NZ doing anything to help?

[Steamer]

"How arrogant of them to offer assistance even after attacking them."

How ignorant of you to make such a statement. I suggest that before you start condemning others for their lack of seamanship or ethics you learn a little about maritime history. Maybe start with the Laconia incident.

The "War Instructions of the US Navy" issued in 1944 includes the following guidance: "It is desirable that vessels which have no prospect of taking further part of the action occupy enemy vessels before they are destroyed or sunk by the enemy, and rescue enemy survivors."

The Hague Convention of 1907 stated: "After every engagement, the two belligerents, so far as military interests permit, shall take steps to look for the shipwrecked, sick, and wounded, and to protect them, as well as the dead, against pillage and ill treatment."

This is probably a difficult concept for you to absorb in your current state of righteous indignation and superior nautical insight, and I am not attempting to make a moral equivalent of Sea Shepards and military forces in time of war, but I am simply saying that it is not arrogance. There is a basic sense of humanity and human dignity behind a belligerent's willingness to rescue his enemy after the action.It is what any seaman will do for another at risk from the sea.

If I am not mistaken, your presence here began solely for the purpose of attacking Sea Shepards, you are not a seafarer and have no background in the maritime industry. You have every right to oppose them, just as they have a right to oppose what they see as wrong, but your constant attacks on their seamanship are a bit tiresome coming from someone who lacks any basis whatsoever to judge those who go to sea for whatever reason. They might be amateurs and they might be doing things you don't believe in but unlike you, they repeatedly take small boats across thousands of miles of open ocean and they do it successfully. Even the greenest of greenhorns among them has more sea time and is by any definition more of a seaman than you.

If you don't like what they are doing that is your right, but you have not earned the right to condemn them for what any seaman recognizes as regard for another seaman, friend or foe.

[anchorman]

"How arrogant of them to offer assistance even after attacking them."

How ignorant of you to make such a statement. I suggest that before you start condemning others for their lack of seamanship or ethics you learn a little about maritime history. Maybe start with the Laconia incident.

The "War Instructions of the US Navy" issued in 1944 includes the following guidance: "It is desirable that vessels which have no prospect of taking further part of the action occupy enemy vessels before they are destroyed or sunk by the enemy, and rescue enemy survivors."

The Hague Convention of 1907 stated: "After every engagement, the two belligerents, so far as military interests permit, shall take steps to look for the shipwrecked, sick, and wounded, and to protect them, as well as the dead, against pillage and ill treatment."

This is probably a difficult concept for you to absorb in your current state of righteous indignation and superior nautical insight, and I am not attempting to make a moral equivalent of Sea Shepards and military forces in time of war, but I am simply saying that it is not arrogance. There is a basic sense of humanity and human dignity behind a belligerent's willingness to rescue his enemy after the action.It is what any seaman will do for another at risk from the sea.

If I am not mistaken, your presence here began solely for the purpose of attacking Sea Shepards, you are not a seafarer and have no background in the maritime industry. You have every right to oppose them, just as they have a right to oppose what they see as wrong, but your constant attacks on their seamanship are a bit tiresome coming from someone who lacks any basis whatsoever to judge those who go to sea for whatever reason. They might be amateurs and they might be doing things you don't believe in but unlike you, they repeatedly take small boats across thousands of miles of open ocean and they do it successfully. Even the greenest of greenhorns among them has more sea time and is by any definition more of a seaman than you.

If you don't like what they are doing that is your right, but you have not earned the right to condemn them for what any seaman recognizes as regard for another seaman, friend or foe.

I certainly wouldn't classify the Sea Shepard the same as military vessels under orders by their government, and the seaman on them that fight for their country, liberty, and freedom - just because they offered assistance after causing a need for assistance.