Welcome to 3AW. Skip directly to: Search Box, Section Navigation, Content.

3AW - Fairfax Radio Network

Tuesday May 21, 2013

What we're talking about

Sea Shepherd rammed by Japanese whaler

Posted by: 3AW NEWS | 20 February, 2013 - 4:27 PM
Sea Shep

The Gillard Government is being urged to confront Japanese authorities after two anti-whaling ships were rammed in the Southern Ocean overnight.

It's claimed the crew on board the Japanese whaler Nisshin Maru also threw stun grenades and used a water cannon against the Sea Shepherd vessels.

The Bob Barker and Steve Irwin were damaged, but no one on board has been injured.

Peter Hammarstedt, Captain of the Bob Barker crossed to Tom Elliott from his damaged ship this afternoon and confirmed the deliberate impact.

"I put my vessel in position to stop the Nisshin Maru from refueling, which would effectively end their whaling season early," Hammarstedt said.

"Next thing you know they ploughed right into my stern, I sustained damage to my helicopter deck and my communications equipment, we're lucky we are even having this radio call.

"Luckily the damage was all above the water line.  My engine still has propulsion and I still have steering."

The Captain said as long as he's afloat, he will do whatever it takes to stop the Japanese from whaling in Antarctic waters.

Tom Elliott told listeners it is doubtful Ms Gillard will take any action against the Japanese.

Image provided by the Sea Shepherd

Image

Share

PLAY: Peter Hammarstedt, Captain of the Bob Barker with Tom Elliott

Having problems listening? Upgrade your media player for Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Firefox.

Blog comments Your Say

  • I am so disgusted with the Australian government. If we weren't up every nations butt looking for money we may see whats going on and do something about it. Japan must think we are a joke. Perhaps they should use their courage around those Islands the Chinese think belong to them. Oh wait they would fight back.

    Bryan Monday 25 February, 2013 - 9:39 PM

  • We know the Gillard govt will not do anything, same as every other govt world wide. What the whalers have done is in fact acts of piracy against Australian ships {Sam Simon & Steve Irwin are both Australian registered ships} and Australian people. The Japanese have also tried to claim sovereignty of Australian Territorial waters. This is an act of war and should not be tolerated by both our govt and the australian ppl. The whalers have also broken numerous internation maritime laws along with australian laws. Come on Gillard it is time to show Japan that we will not be walked over, but be a nation to stand up and be counted. The Japanese govt should be held accountable. Just by bringing in their armed customs vessel into Australian waters is an act of war and should be counted as such

    Heather Thursday 21 February, 2013 - 12:33 PM

  • The captains of the Bob Barker and Steve Irwin have not been elected to represent me or my family. Their behavior on the high seas is both reckless, irresponsible and in no way sanctioned by the great majority who live in this part of the world.

    Ken of Euroa Thursday 21 February, 2013 - 11:24 AM

  • Oh dear @Robert, heroes, i think not! I wrote a comment on this yesterday morning but it didn't get printed. You can't tell me that the Sea Shepherd vessels were following the laws of the sea. I do not condone whaling but these boats seem to use illegal pirate manoeuvres to get themselves into dangerous positions with no regard for right or wrong, they go too far and then expect that the 'enemy' won't retaliate.

    GIW Thursday 21 February, 2013 - 11:08 AM

  • And for the rest of you on here get off the Fence

    col Thursday 21 February, 2013 - 9:04 AM

  • wake up Julia

    col Thursday 21 February, 2013 - 8:54 AM

Post a comment * Mandatory fields