The war between Japanese whalers and conservationists continues to escalate with the latest phase taking a worrying turn of events. 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. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society sends ships to Antarctica each season to try to stop the hunt. Late in 2009 the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society unveiled their newest ocean defence vessel: the Ady Gil. The vessel, worth around £1.1 million, is a fast, futuristic looking trimaran that recently set the world record for global circumnavigation.
In a violent confrontation with a Japanese whaling fleet security vessel, the Shonan Maru No. 2, the Ady Gil appeared to be deliberately rammed and cut into two pieces. Despite salvage efforts from another Sea Shepherd ship, the Bob Barker, the Ady Gil sank off Antarctica on Friday 8th January 2010.
The video footage clearly shows the Japanese vessel changing course and running into the Ady Gil, and all the while continuing to hose icy sea water at the activists!
A second video from the Bob Barker shows the course change more clearly. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese Government is now be asked to pick up the bill!
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