The New Zealand authorities have assured us that the Japanese whaling ships will not be allowed inside the New Zealand Economic Exclusion Zone. Auckland Island, therefore, is a more secure location for a fuel transfer.

After refueling, the two Sea Shepherd ships will return south to pursue the floating abattoir, the Nisshin Maru, off the coast of Antarctica. Due to fog and distance we have no pictures of the Japanese ships with the island in the background. The Yushin Maru No. 3 was 11 miles off and the Shonan Maru No. 2 was 14 miles off Macquarie. These photos were taken a month ago when the Yushin Maru No. 3 was last at Macquarie with the Bob Barker.

The Yushin Maru No. 3 follows Sea Shehperd to Macquarie Island. Photo: Carolina A. Castro

The Yushin Maru No. 3 waits near Macquarie Island in hopes of finding the Bob Barker. Photo: Carolina A. Castro

 

 

Visit our Operation Divine Wind site for information about our 2011-12 Antarctic Whale Defense Campaign