8 January 2006.- Greenpeace or Sea Shepherd activists throwing ropes and hooks near the Nisshin-Maru’s propeller to sabotage it. One rope and a buoy are already in the water.
Posted on 01/11/2006 6:44:28 PM PST by proud_yank
GREENPEACE has rejected fresh claims from Japan that activists harassing a whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean were responsible for a collision between two ships.
Video released by The Japanese Institute of Cetacean Research
Video released by Greenpeace Oddly enough, this link wouldn't open
The Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise was involved in the collision with the Japanese whale processing ship Nisshin Maru on Sunday, putting a 1.5-metre dent in the Sunrise's bow and bending its forward mast.
Japan has released a video in a bid to prove Greenpeace targeted its ship.
The Tokyo-based Institute of Cetacean Research said the video showed the 1,000 tonne Arctic Sunrise moving steadily forward before hitting the 8,000 tonne Nisshin Maru, whose movement was impeded by another whaling vessel nearby.
But Greenpeace maintains the larger ship was at fault.
"They've certainly got balls of steel, those guys," Greenpeace expedition leader Shane Rattenbury said from the group's second vessel, Esperanza.
"Having been on the bridge of the Arctic Sunrise at the time of the incident, I know there was no way we were responsible.
"Even the photo Japan put out the other day, if you look closely there's a wake in front of our ship because we were actually in reverse at the time."
Greenpeace's Australian chief executive Steve Shallhorn said an investigation would prove Japan was at fault.
"According to international maritime law, the starboard vessel, the Arctic Sunrise had the right of way," he said.
"We fully expect official investigation to concur with the Greenpeace version of the event."
The crew of the Arctic Sunrise plan to repair the vessel when it eventually docks in Fremantle or South Africa, and Greenpeace is considering a damages claim against Japan.
Also this week, Greenpeace ships – currently operating about 4,000km south west of Perth – received a rare radio transmission from the Japanese whaling fleet.
But the message, translated by Greenpeace interpreters, was hardly an olive branch.
"All the responsibility for any accidents that originate in dangerous obstructive actions lie with you," said Shigetoshi Nishiwaki, the head of Japan's scientific whaling program who is on board the Nisshin Maru.
"We strongly demand that Greenpeace cease your obstruction of our legitimate survey and leave the survey area immediately."
Arctic Sunrise captain Arne Sorensen accused the Nisshin Maru of deliberately damaging his ship and delivered a blunt reply.
"You are a disgrace to the Kyodo Senpaku fleet. You have discredited the Institute of Cetacean Research. You have dishonoured yourselves," he said.
Mr Rattenbury said it was the first time the whaling fleet had radioed Greenpeace during the current confrontation, and only the second time ever.
Japan plans to catch 935 minke whales and 10 fin whales this southern summer for what it insists is scientific research.
Conservationists maintain it is a commercial operation.
Reminds me of a Seinfeld episode for some reason.
Uhmmm....I don't know much about maritime law, but can't you do something to stop another vessel from sabotaging your ship? Like, ohhhhhhhhh...shoot at the marauding ship?
Enviro terror by any other name...
I'm no expert on maritime right of way issues, but I think generally a ship that seeks out another ship with the intent to immobilize or damage it would generally be considered the responsible party in an ensuing collision.
We thought they were pirates so we sank them. Oh, it was Greenpeace? No can read Engrish. Solly! More like Greenwar, no?
It would be funny if the hooks got wrapped around the props and it yanked the inflatable underwater.
They need to sink their ships and leave the envirowhackos for the sharks.
I would think trying to disable a ship would be considered piracy. Wouldn't the Japanese be within their rights to break out the harpoon gun, assuming they didn't have anything better on board.
PING!
Piracy!
I don't know much about ships but that Greenpeace boat looks just like the one from King Kong.
Gee, wonder what would happen if they dropped the anchor on the reasearch boat into that inflatable boat??????
One Mk-48 ADCAP; no more problem.
sena ALL their sorry arses to DavyJonesLocker!!
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