Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Anti-whaling boat left to sink in Antarctica
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Anti-whaling boat left to sink in Antarctica
By ROD McGUIRK,Associated Press Writer -
Saturday, January 9
Send
IM Story
Print
CANBERRA, Australia – Conservationists abandoned a sinking ship wrecked in a confrontation with Japanese whalers to resume their aggressive campaign to stop the hunt Friday amid concerns about contamination of pristine Antarctic waters.
The bow of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's Ady Gil was sheared off Wednesday in a crash with a far larger Japanese whaling ship _ the most serious clash in what has become an annual confrontation off the frozen continent.
The whaler, Shonan Maru No. 2, suffered no apparent damage. Both sides blame the other for the crash, which occurred as the Ady Gil harassed the Japanese fleet.
Japan kills about 1,200 whales a year in Antarctica under what it says is a scientific program allowed by the International Whaling Commission, despite a moratorium on commercial whaling. Critics say the program is a front for illegal whaling, and Sea Shepherd sends ships to Antarctica each season to try to stop the hunt _ an effort portrayed on the Animal Planet TV series "Whale Wars."
Amid fears the Ady Gil was sinking, a second Sea Shepherd ship, the Bob Barker, began towing it Thursday toward French research base Dumont d'Urville, 185 miles (300 kilometers) to the south.
But the tow rope snapped en route, so the Ady Gil was left to sink and the Bob Barker resumed its pursuit of the Japanese whalers, the Bob Barker's first officer Peter Hammarsedt said. The ship was named for the former TV game show host, who donated $5 million to buy the Bob Barker.
"We made the call that the vessel would sink in two to three hours, and so at that point we decided to once again take up our pursuit of the Japanese whaling fleet," Hammarsedt told The Associated Press by satellite phone.
Hammarsedt said the sunken boat should not leave an oil slick. "We spent the greater part of yesterday transferring all the fuel, oil and batteries and any other environmental contaminates to begin towing," he said.
But Antarctic environmental expert Alan Hemmings said it would have been safer to scuttle the stricken vessel deep at sea.
"Dumont d'Urville is one of the most important bird breeding locations in the Antarctic," Hemmings said. "Any risk of fouling would have been worse there than in open ocean."
Hemmings, an associate professor at the University of Canterbury's Antarctic studies center, said he was concerned by the increasingly violent clashes during Sea Shepherd's six-year campaign to prevent whaling in the Antarctic Ocean during the southern summers.
Conservationists and whalers' ships have collided five times, with four of those crashes in the past two seasons.
"Whilst I abhor whaling, it does seem that this particular set of tactics have quite a lot of flaws in them, not the least of these is the environmental risk," Hemmings said.
Sea Shepherd received support Friday from activist Ric O'Barry, the former dolphin trainer for the TV series "Flipper" and star of "The Cove," a U.S. film about killing dolphins in the Japanese town of Taiji.
"This violent attack in the whale sanctuary proves that the Japan government and its Fisheries Agency have no regard for whales, dolphins or the people who want to save them," O'Barry said in an e-mailed response to questions.
"Japan's bogus scientific whale research and Japan's war against the ocean's wildlife must end," O'Barry said.
Hammarsedt said Sea Shepherd's attempt to salvage the Ady Gil had been responsible and blamed the Japanese for any environmental risk.
Japan, however, put the blame squarely on the conservationists.
"The series of sabotage acts by the Sea Shepherd were very dangerous and risked the life and safety of the Japanese crew members. These acts should be strongly condemned," said Yasuhisa Kawamura, deputy spokesman for Japan's Foreign Ministry.
"The collision took place at the end of the incessant and dangerous disturbance acts taken by Sea Shepherd," he said.
Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett on Friday ramped up pressure on Japan to end whaling by threatening legal action if diplomatic efforts do not show results before the next International Whaling Commission summit in June.
Australia says it could argue that Japan's whaling is illegal before the International Court of Justice or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Kawamura said that the issue of whaling should not be settled at sea but instead discussed at international forums, including the International Whaling Commission.
The whaling is conducted in international waters, but usually within the huge patch of ocean that is designated Australia's maritime rescue zone and that Canberra considers a whale sanctuary.
The whalers have changed tactics this season, sending boats to tail the Sea Shepherd vessels and reporting their positions so the main fleet can keep its distance.
The Ady Gil became the first of the three Sea Shepherd vessels to find the factory ship, Nisshin Maru, on Wednesday before the crash.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Blast kills eight insurgents in Pakistan AFP - 1 hour 58 minutes ago
Suspected rebels killed in Indian Kashmir shootout AP - 2 hours 38 minutes ago
1 US, 8 Afghan troops killed by roadside bombs AP - 2 hours 45 minutes ago
Myanmar issues death sentences for document leaks AP - 2 hours 53 minutes ago
Australia slams Indian paper's Ku Klux Klan cartoon AFP - Saturday, January 9
News Search
Top Stories
Unemployment hits 10% across eurozone
Formula One boss launches Saab rescue bid: reports
Argentine bank chief resigns, vows legal action
Hugh Grant sets marriage as New Year's resolution
Obama unveils reforms to boost US watchlists
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
New for 2010: anti-wrinkle bras, protein undies
Hugh Grant sets marriage as New Year's resolution
Formula One boss launches Saab rescue bid: reports
New US jobless claims edge up
Yen drops on Japanese finance minister comments
More Most Viewed »
British priest defends urging people to shoplift
Beat the blues by going to bed early: study
Huge tomb found at Egypt's Saqqara pyramid
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Friday, 8 January 2010 Al-Qaeda says CIA attack 'revenge' for drone killings
Snow causes travel chaos across northern Europe
Cellular group says mobile calls safe from hackers
Iran to try five people over December unrest
New US jobless claims edge up
'Year 2010' smart-card bug turns Germans back to cash
Bombs kill 7 in Iraq's Anbar province
Euro economic recovery labours in low gear
Boost extends unlimited plan to full Sprint network
Suicide bomber kills eight in eastern Afghanistan
EU Galileo sat-nav system to begin operations in 2014
Google sweetens bid for On2, shares up
Striking Algerian workers in stand-off with police
|
Iran to try 5 protesters it detained
New for 2010: anti-wrinkle bras, protein undies
GameStop cuts profit view; holiday sales stagnate
Afghan suicide bomber kills eight
Plane plot stirs concern over UK campus militants
|
Iran foreign minister in Iraq over border dispute
Shelling kills at least 11 in Somali capital
|
Police disperse Copts protesting fatal Egypt shooting
Anti-terror chief among seven killed in Iraq blasts
Intel unveils new microprocessors
|
Nelson says he wants Medicaid deal for all states
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
|
Ex-NBA star arraigned on drunken-driving charges
LA unveils training academy for anti-gang workers
NYC consultant accused of violating Iran embargo
NJ Senate to consider gay marriage bill
US says Pakistan harassing its diplomats
Cellular group says mobile calls safe from hackers
|
AP: Blackwater settles series of civil lawsuits
China tainted milk problem kept secret for months
Ohio executes man in second use of 1-drug method
Child soldiers leave Maoist camps in Nepal
Sony positive on post-holiday U.S. electronics
|
Taiwan court rejects frozen asset appeal by ex-leader's wife
Callers to free tow number directed to porn line
Vietnam police tear gas, beat Catholics over cross: priest
Study: Calorie counts off at chains, frozen meals
Dell displays small slate computer, runs Android
|
Cambodia's ruling party warns KRouge court
U.S. to delay release of anticipated broadband plan
|
N.Korea celebrates birthday of leader's son: reports
Naked jogger nabbed after run near White House
Sumatran tiger cubs caught on video in Indonesia
US complains of Pakistan harassment of diplomats
Suicide bomber kills 7 in east Afghanistan market
Japanese firms slow construction of Dubai Metro
Taiwan's exports growth highest in almost 20 years
Taiwan group vows referendum to further block US beef
American Idol returns, but how long can it last?
|
Actor Gary Coleman released from hospital
Smithsonian exhibits celebrate Elvis in DC, LA
Dolby brings theater sound to new-age gadgets
Vietnam police say pirated discs seized
India's love of cars raises traffic horror fears
Art director John Shaffner voted TV Academy CEO
Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep on tap for SAG Awards
`American Idol' thinks young, edgy in ninth season
'Grand Theft' Pays Off For TN Man
Frozen Kamikaze Iguanas Fall From Trees
US wary over granting Bagram inmates' rights
EU backs commissioner under fire from DR.Congo
Gates backs critique of spy agencies in Afghanistan
|
Ford rolls out 'tweets' for the connected car
Formula One boss launches Saab rescue bid: reports
Six suspected militants killed in Karachi blast
|
Israeli strikes on kill two Palestinians: medics
New Japan finance minister backtracks on yen after PM rebuke
|
Sony positive on gadget sales
Central banker steps down, vows legal action
Two ex-Blackwater staff charged with Afghan murders
Spanish police seize ETA collaborator: reports
Motorola shows media tablet with Nvidia chip
Israel signals tougher terms for prisoner swap talks
U.N. found Hezbollah arms pits in Lebanon: Israel
|
Argentine bank chief resigns, vows legal action
Immigrants and Italian police clash: report
expands Web-connected TV push
One dead in Israeli air raids on Gaza: medics
|
Hugh Grant sets marriage as New Year's resolution
Sony makes eco-friendly mini laptop
Israel signals tougher terms for prisoner swap talks
|
Casio picture frame turns digital photos into art
One dead in Israeli air raids on Gaza
Indian KKK news cartoon angers Australia
|
Borders in deal with Alex e-reader for e-books
Euro economic recovery labours in low gear
Israeli aircraft strike tunnels, Hamas targets
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
Iran strike could destabilize Middle East: Pentagon
|
U.N. found Hezbollah arms pits in Lebanon
Obama unveils reforms to boost US watchlists
France eyes 'Google tax' on Internet ads
Colombia declares fire disaster, to get U.S. help
|
Snowed-in Britons boost adultery website
Iran strike could destabilize Middle East
Gunmen shoot radio reporter in Philippines north
|
Sony positive on gadget sales
Ahead of U.S. peace push, Israel complains about Abbas
Motorola shows media tablet with Nvidia chip
Israel complains about Palestinian 'incitement'
Sony makes eco-friendly mini laptop
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
Tablet? Slate? New devices emerge as Apple looms
|
Intel unveils new microprocessors
|
Motorola shows media tablet with Nvidia chip
|
Cold grips nation as crash in snowy Ohio kills 4
Borders in deal with Alex e-reader for e-books
|
Turner bid for Yellowstone bison draws protest
Officials confirm probe of AZ sheriff, his office
Explosion at Karachi house kills at least 7
Blast at Ind. steel plant kills 1, injures 4
USB cable shock suspected in Colo. girl's injuries
Six suspected militants killed in Karachi blast
Sony positive on gadget sales
|
Jailing of China gang lawyer alarms legal world
Arizona concert promoter accused in Ponzi scheme
Explosion at Karachi house kills at least 6 men
U.S. to delay release of anticipated broadband plan
|
Officials: Grand jury investigating Ariz. sheriff
Sri Lanka accuses UN of war crimes 'crusade'
Explosion in Karachi house kills at least 6
AP Exclusive: Gates to stay at Pentagon
Malaysia church fire-bombed ahead of protests
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
AP NewsAlert
Indian KKK news cartoon angers Australia
Seoul shares turn up on shipyards; LG Elec falls
HIGHLIGHTS-South Korean c.bank chief's comments
Vietnam arrests former Jetstar Pacific boss
Beijing's per capita GDP expected to top $10,000
China Mobile dismisses vice chairman amid probe
PAKISTAN
Bank of Korea keeps interest rate at record low
Toyota's Prius top-selling car in Japan last year
Seoul shares decline; muted reaction to BOK
Taiwan dollar flat ahead of U.S. jobs report
Jay Leno Show future uncertain
|
Avatar ready for four-peat at box office
|
HBO nabs rights to Pablo Escobar documentary
HBO nabs rights to Pablo Escobar documentary
|
Source: NBC weighing Leno return to late-night
Emmys boss hopes show will stay on broadcast TV
|
Little frauds: Fox pulls "Genius" quiz show
Colo. judge orders Sheen to appear in court
|
Koppel being considered for return to ABC News
Little frauds: Fox pulls Genius quiz show
|
Emmys boss hopes show will stay on broadcast TV
NY judge orders Perelman pay ex-wife's company
|
Lil Wayne album still due February 2, label insists
|
Colo. judge orders Sheen to appear in court
Ethan Hawke bares fangs in movie Daybreakers
|
White House gate-crashers on list for Vegas party
"Avatar" ready for four-peat at box office
Reggae star Buju Banton pleads not guilty
Lil Wayne album still due February 2, label insists
Nude Jogger Nabbed Near White House; Authorities Check Out Package
South Sudanese fear post-secession tensions in north
N. Ireland policeman seriously injured by car bombing
U.S. senators defend Pakistan drone attacks
|
Unemployment hits 10% across eurozone
I don't need favour of foreign powers, says Karzai
Shots fired at Iran opposition leader Karoubi: report
|
Tough challenges for Zuma as South Africa's ANC turns 98
|
Palestinians seek to shut down settler trade
|
South Sudanese fear post-secession tensions in north
|
Car bomb seriously injures policeman in N. Ireland
|
Suspects in Egypt Coptic shooting turn themselves in
|
France to introduce body scanners at airports
|
Sri Lanka rejects U.N. execution video report
|
Australia slams Indian paper's Ku Klux Klan cartoon
Explosion in south Pakistan house kills at least 8
Nigerian bomb suspect due in US court
Anti-whaling boat left to sink in Antarctica
Gunmen wound broadcaster in Philippines
Court: China mob lawyer fabricated torture claim
A look at the experts shaping airline security
Death toll from gas leak triples to 21 in China
Mind-reading systems could change air security
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
|
Explosion at Karachi house kills at least 8
Restoration of lost Scientology materials complete
Thousands of Elvis fans to descend on Australian town
Borders in deal with Alex e-reader for e-books
|
Obama to speak on unemployment
U.S. senators defend Pakistan drone attacks
NATO: bomb kills US service member in Afghanistan
New smog rule could be a surprise to some counties
Christmas plane attack case will test defense
Drug benefit expanded to 1 million more seniors
China surpasses US in 2009 auto sales
Japan Airlines shares slump 12%
Panasonic aims to expand sales in green tech push
Jeon Ji-hyun to star opposite Zhang Ziyi in new English movie adapted from bestseller
Japan's Uniqlo enjoys soaring profit
Panasonic to expand solar cell, 3-D TV production
China approves stock futures, margin trading
Taiwan chip maker TSMC's sales surge in December
Australia's Felix to delay coal shipments to S.Korea-sources
Charlie Chaplin to be animated star
"Jay Leno Show" future uncertain
Female acts tipped for top again in 2010 pop polls
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights