Notes/update on Sea Shepherd Captain Now Prisoner on Whaling Vessel

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Monday, February 15, 2010

 

 

Update: Sea Shepherd Captain Detained Onboard Japanese Whaling Vessel

At 0630 Hours, Sea Shepherd Captain Peter Bethune of the vessel Ady Gil, which was sunk by the Japanese security ship Shonan Maru 2, boarded the whaling ship to conduct a citizen’s arrest of the skipper of the Shonan Maru 2.

Captain Bethune boarded the whaling ship under cover of darkness from a Jet Ski as the Shonan Maru 2 was traveling at 14 knots in the Southern Ocean. His first attempt failed when he fell into the frigid waters, but despite this the crew of the Shonan Maru 2 failed to see him and he successfully boarded the whaler without detection.

Captain Bethune’s breaching the security of the whaling fleet security vessel remained undetected for one and a half hours.

At 0800 Hours, once the sun had risen, Captain Bethune calmly knocked on the bridge wing door, entered the wheelhouse, and presented himself to the Captain of Shonan Maru 2 where he informed the skipper that he was under arrest for the sinking of the Sea Shepherd ship Ady Gil on January 6th, 2010.

All radio communications with Peter Bethune ceased at 0805. The Shonan Maru 2 did acknowledge that Bethune was onboard.

The Sea Shepherd ships Steve Irwin and Bob Barker continue to pursue the Japanese whaling ship Nisshin Maru eastward across the Southern Ocean. The ships are presently south of Australia’s Heard Island.

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Sea Shepherd is Concerned that Captain Bethune Has Been Injured by Japanese Whalers

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is concerned that Peter Bethune may have been hurt after he entered the wheelhouse of the Japanese whaling fleet security vessel Shonan Maru #2.

Glen Inwood, the spokesperson in New Zealand for the Institute of Cetacean Research has reported that Captain Bethune cut his hand while boarding the Shonan Maru #2 and was receiving medical treatment from the ship’s doctor.

“This is very strange,†reported Captain Paul Watson on the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin. “We spoke with Pete after he boarded and we were in contact with him for an hour and a half after he boarded until he entered the wheelhouse of the Shonan Maru #2. He reported that he had not received any injuries during the boarding. We are now quite concerned as to how this injury reported by Glen Inwood was received because we know for a fact it was not received during the boarding of the whaling vessel.â€

The Sea Shepherd Conservation is not surprised that New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has taken Japan’s side over the interests of one of his own citizens.

“Obviously trade relations between Japan and New Zealand take priority over the rights of a New Zealand citizen.†Said Captain Paul Watson. “New Zealand has done nothing in response to the deliberate sinking of a New Zealand registered vessel. Captain Bethune had no other option than to press for his rights as a citizen knowing that his government could not be counted on to represent his interests.â€

Prime Minister John Key made a statement while condemning the Sea Shepherd action. He said. "I believe there is a way through this over time. That will require some goodwill on both sides and I just don't know if that's possible but that's got to be the long term solution."

Keys says he is worried the incident will mar otherwise good diplomatic and trade relations with Japan.

Captain Watson responded to Key's statement by saying, “The whales don’t have the luxury of time and when has time been a factor in the enforcement of the law. These whalers are poachers and you don’t deal with criminals with long-term solutions. This is like telling bank robbers that we will negotiate with them until they agree to stop robbing banks. Key’s needs to stop whoring his country out to the Japanese and he needs to understand that a Japanese poacher deliberately rammed and destroyed a New Zealand vessel and now is holding a New Zealand citizen hostage onboard a Japanese whale poaching ship.â€

　

Monday, February 15, 2010

Japan Takes A Prisoner In their Crusade to Plunder the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary

The Japanese government has said they will have Captain Peter Bethune of New Zealand taken to Japan to be tried on unknown charges in a Japanese court.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Captain Peter Bethune were prepared for this possibility prior to the boarding of the Shonan Maru #2 by Captain Bethune.

“Captain Peter Bethune’s $3 million dollar vessel the Ady Gil was rammed, sunk and destroyed by the Captain of the Shonan Maru #2. The incident injured one of the six crewmembers and could have killed all six.†Said Captain Paul Watson. “Captain Bethune was entirely in his rights to confront the man who almost killed him and destroyed his ship. And now this same Japanese captain who destroyed a ship almost killing its crew is intent on bringing Captain Bethune back to Japan as his captive. The question must be asked - who are the pirates here?â€

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society sees this as an opportunity to rally support for Captain Peter Bethune in New Zealand and Australia. These Japanese poachers plunder the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary with impunity and now they are hauling a courageous Kiwi hero to the Land of the Rising Sun to crucify him for defending the whales.

Captain Peter Bethune is no longer just a man who set a world record in boating and had the courage to defend the whales. He will now be the very symbol of the citizens of New Zealand and Australia and their love for the great whales.

The last time a Kiwi was taken prisoner to Japan was in their great war of imperialism went they attempted to enslave both Australia and New Zealand. They have now returned to plunder Australian and New Zealand waters and once again they are arrogantly flaunting the law and taking prisoners.

“I don’t think that Australian and New Zealanders are going to tolerate the abuse of Peter Bethune by the thugs from Japan who annually plunder the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary for profit in the name of research.†Said Steve Irwin Chief Cook Laura Dakin of Canberra.

“If the Japanese put Peter Bethune on trial in Japan, it will be a case that will draw the attention of the world.†Said Captain Paul Watson. “What is the Japanese government thinking? The persecution of Captain Peter Bethune will a rallying point for an international campaign to free Captain Bethune and to end the brutal illegal slaughter of the whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.