Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd: 'Ik kan doden en verlies van schepen in strijd tegen Japanse walvisvaarders niet uitsluiten'

High-risk whale war

30-12-2009 The Mercury, Tasmania


WHALE campaign leader Paul Watson cannot rule out lives or vessels being lost as the battle against Japanese whaling fleets heats up in the Southern Ocean. His ship Steve Irwin docked in Hobart yesterday and along with the glitz and glamour of the Sydney-Hobart yachts, it became an attraction in itself.

The relationship between crew on the Sea Shepherd group's vessel and Japanese whalers is as stormy as ever.

Captain Watson said that with the whaling fleet now protected by military security ships, the Japanese were more aggressive than ever.
"I cannot say we won't get hurt or killed but it is not our intent to hurt anyone," he said.
"But we are in a very remote and hostile area of the ocean and anything can happen.
"We do have the experience and the expertise to keep us as safe as we possibly can.
"It will be aggressive, the Japanese Government has said that.
"We are not going to move and if they are going to carry on with their mission, then there is going to be a collision, that is bound to happen."

In just three weeks since the anti-whaling expedition began, two major conflicts have already occurred including the use of lasers by the crew of the superfast trimaran the Ady Gil, used to distract the Japanese crew.

The Steve Irwin will be in port until at least tomorrow before returning to the 24m Ady Gil, which has been patrolling the Southern Ocean alone.

The Ady Gil is expected to return to Hobart to refuel about January 15.

As the Steve Irwin refuelled at Macquarie Wharf, a flotilla of small boats came alongside to see the famous vessel.

Hobart crewmember Andrew Perry said yesterday he felt safe and extremely proud of the work he was doing.
For Mr Perry it was a chance for a quick visit with his wife, Molly Kendall, who also has a special bond with the Steve Irwin.

During their expedition on the vessel last year they were married on the remote Scott Island in the Ross Sea. They are among only a handful of people to step on the island, and the first to wed there.

"It is great to have this emotional bond in Hobart with the Sea Shepherd's work and I can honestly say this is the friendliest and most supportive place in the world towards our efforts," Mr Perry said.
"People come up to you in the streets in Hobart and thank you for the work we are doing, that is great. And for me, as a Tasmanian to be sailing back in here with all of the crew makes me fiercely proud."

(Bron: http://www.themercury.com.au/)