6 January 2012
Bob Barker activists attempt to sabotage Japanese research vessel Yushin Maru No. 3
On 6 January the Yushin Maru No. 3 (YS3), Antarctic whale research (JARPAII) vessel was
subjected to attack by the Sea Shepherd ship Bob Barker (BB). The attack lasted from around
0410 to 0950JST.
Around 0410JST Sea Shepherd activists aboard two rubber boats sent from the BB
approached the YS3 and started to cut across the Japanese vessel's bow while towing ropes
aimed to disable the YS3 rudder and propeller. In addition, the two rubber boats deployed
ropes just in front of the YS3 bow 11 times probably with the same purpose. The deployed
ropes were fitted with buoys, metal pipes and wires. Further, three smoke bombs were thrown
from the rubber boats, hitting only the outer hull of the YS3.
During the attack the YS3 broadcasted a warning message and made use of its water pump as
a preventive measure to make activists desist from further approaching.
There were no injuries to the Japanese crew. Up to the present, damage to the YS3 from the
activists' attack has not been confirmed.
Japan's research whaling in the Antarctic (JARPAII) is a perfectly legal activity carried out
under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW). The Institute of
Cetacean Research strongly condemns the Sea Shepherd and its continued dangerous and
violent actions against Japanese vessels and crews in the Antarctic.
Once again we call on all related countries including the Netherlands which is the BB's flag
State, and Australia, the port State of the Sea Shepherd vessels, to take every measure
available to restrain them and deal with their criminal actions in a strict and objective manner
according to their international and domestic obligations.
In particular, we call on Australia to initiate a criminal investigation against the SS trimaran
Brigitte Bardot (formerly named the Gojira) currently in Fremantle Port, for its violent actions
including the launching of incendiary devices against the Nisshin Maru last year. Further, we
call on Australia to take any measures to prevent the Steve Irwin from departing again from
Fremantle port and further escalating violence in the Antarctic Ocean.

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