Steve Irwin departing from Seaworks, Williamstown in Melbourne, Dec 3rd. Photo Nelli Huié/Sea Shepherd.
The marine conservation organization's flagship vessel the Steve Irwin departed Saturday from Seaworks, Williamstown in Melbourne, followed by its fast new patrol vessel the Ocean Warrior, which departed from Hobart, Tasmania on Sunday.
This is the second time the illegal Japanese whaling fleet has returned to the scene of their crimes in the Southern Ocean since the 2014 International Court of Justice ruling. "Sea Shepherd shouldn’t have to be taking on the whalers again this summer," said Australian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson at a press conference in the port of Hobart Saturday morning. "Australia won the International Court of Justice case against Japan, but unfortunately the government put trade deals ahead of whales and removed all diplomatic pressure."
Australian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson speaking at a Sea Shepherd press conference in Hobart, Tasmania Dec 3rd. Photo Simon Ager/Sea Shepherd.
"The Japanese whaling fleet might be able to escape and outrun the international courts but it won’t escape Sea Shepherd."
Ocean Warrior Captain Adam Meyerson giving the orders for departure, Dec 4th Photo Simon Ager/Sea Shepherd.
Steve Irwin Captain Wyanda Lubink preparing for departure from Seaworks, Williamstown in Melbourne, Dec 3rd. Photo Glenn Lockitch/Sea Shepherd.