FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 22, 2009

To Interview Captain Paul Watson on board the Steve Irwin
SAT Phone: (00) 8816 4145 4434
(From the U.S. dial 011, from Australia 0011)

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society -International Headquarters – U.S.
Contact: Amy Baird, Media Director
Office: 360-370-5650
Email: media@seashepherd.org

For related images and video: http://media.seashepherd.org

Shonan Maru No. 2 Attacks Sea Shepherd Ship with Water Cannons

From the Steve Irwin, 1445 Hours
December 22nd, 2009
61 Degrees 59 Minutes South, 148 Degrees 47 Minutes East

The Japanese harpoon vessel Shonan Maru No. 2 is engaging in some very bizarre activities.

At 1300 Hours, the Japanese vessel moved in with water cannons blazing. As they came closer, they turned on their LRAD's and surprisingly they began to broadcast the following message over their loudspeaker: "Steve Irwin, cease your aggressive action. Stop your aggressive action. We have the authority to repel you."

This was followed by, "Warning, warning. This is Shonan Maru No. 2's Captain. Stop your destructive actions immediately or we will have to hold you to Federal law."

It is ridiculous to accuse the Steve Irwin of attacking the Shonan Maru No. 2. The Japanese vessel is much faster. The crew of the Steve Irwin has been trying to get the Shonan Maru No. 2 off their trail for eleven days.

The Shonan Maru No. 2 set off the collision alert system fourteen times as it chased and circled the Steve Irwin.

The crew of the Steve Irwin managed to deploy a stern protection line. The Shonan Maru No. 2 ran over the 100-meter long line and snapped it and then backed off. Water cannons from both ships made the crew on both ships very wet but there were no direct hits causing any injuries.

After nearly two hours of harassment, the Shonan Maru No. 2 backed off. There was no visible indication that the vessel suffered prop damage.

The Shonan Maru No. 2 gave false information to Australian authorities in Fremantle when they stopped in the Australian port for fuel and provisions. The Shonan Maru No. 2 reported they were not part the Japanese whaling fleet. In fact, the Shonan Maru No. 2 is specifically permitted this year to engage in whaling activities and is currently assisting in protecting the main body of the whaling fleet.

END

About Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an International non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protects ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations. Founder and President Captain Paul Watson, is a renowned, respected leader in environmental issues. Visit www.seashepherd.org for more information.