New Zealand Warns Sea Shepherd to show “restraint” with poachers. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has confirmed Interpol has issued a notice seeking information on any criminal activity by the crew of the Thunder. The Ministry also confirms the Nigerian flagged “Thunder” is listed as a poacher by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Sea Shepherd has asked Australia and New Zealand to assist in arresting the “Thunder.” However the only response so far has been from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which has requested that Sea Shepherd “show “restraint.” Whatever that means. Here’s the situation: The “Thunder” has been forced to stop their illegal fishing operations and Captain Peter Hammarstedt, the Swedish captain of the “Bob Barker” has ordered the “Thunder” to head to Fremantle, Western Australia to turn themselves in. The “Thunder” is not heading for Fremantle but does not appear to be heading anywhere, traveling at only 6 knots in a westerly direction with no foreseeable destination. The poachers will have to make a decision on where to go at some point because the “Bob Barker” has a greater range and superior speed. The “Thunder” cannot lose the “Bob Barker” on their tail and the “Bob Barker” has the fuel capability to stay at sea for the next four months if need be. The ship cannot go into any safe ports in Australia, Indian or South Africa. There is a possibility it could get sanctuary in Namibia or Nigeria but those ports are a very long way away. Sea Shepherd has requested that Australia, New Zealand or France send a government vessel to officially arrest the “Thunder.” The “Sam Simon” under the command of Captain Sid Chakavarty of India is hundreds of miles away searching for other poaching vessels. There are an estimated six unlawful toothfish poachers in the Southern Ocean known to be operating. Sea Shepherd has two ships and sixty international volunteer in the Southern Ocean participating with Operation Icefish.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:59:53 +0000
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