Bob Barker, Gojira activists sabotage Japanese research vessel Yushin Maru No. 3 even after sending a Mayday signal.

Icr Whale -

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.

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