Press Release from Institute of Cetacean Research

Video Shows Violence Of Dutch Vessel

The high seas terror acts and breaches of international maritime law are clearly demonstrated in a video filmed by Japanese seamen in the Antarctic today.

The second ramming of a Japanese vessel in the Antarctic today by the Dutch ship, Steve Irwin, clearly shows the extreme methods used by the Sea Shepherd’s so-called “captain” Watson.

The video shows the Steve Irwin deliberately turning into the stern side of the Yushin Maru No.3 and the bow of the Steve Irwin appears to get snagged.

Video of the incident in the Antarctic can be seen at:
http://www.icrwhale.org/eng-index.htm
(VIDEO: Dutch vessel rams Japanese ship for second time.)

The latest incident occurred when the Yushin Maru No. 3 was transferring the last remaining minke whales caught today to the Nisshin Maru. The stern of the Yushin Maru No. 3 was damaged in the attack although there have been no reported injuries.

“So-called “Captain” Watson is thumbing his nose at all international laws that are aimed at ensuring safety at sea”, said the Director-General of the Institute of Cetacean Research, Mr Minoru Morimoto. “The Steve Irwin "captain" is completely ignoring the safety of crews aboard both the Dutch vessel and the Japanese research vessels and engaging in extremely dangerous behavior.” “Due to Sea Shepherd's increasingly violent actions the risk of a more grave and serious accident happening is increasing by the hour,” he added. The Australian Government, which has harboured and allowed to the Steve Irwin to refuel and reprovision its supplies as well as the Government of the Netherlands which has registered and flagged the vessel should also be held accountable for allowing this vessel to commit serious criminal acts at sea.

This is the second time today that the Steve Irwin has rammed a Japanese vessel. Earlier in the day, the Dutch vessel rammed the Yushin Maru No.2 at the stern when the Sea Shepherd crew attempted to stop the transfer of a minke whale to the Nisshin Maru.

ENDS

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