Whaling Protesters Clash with Japanese Ship

Activists protesting against the ongoing practice of whaling in the Southern Ocean allege that their flagship was damaged after an encounter with a Japanese whaling vessel. The protesters are calling on the Australian government to authorize that naval reinforcements be sent to the area for a full investigation.

The founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society reported that the Japanese operated Nisshin Maru purposely rammed both the Steve Irwin and the Bob Barker boats operated by the protesters.

The protesters say that crewmen aboard the Japanese whaling vessel threw numerous concussion granades that caused serious damage to both of the protest boats which were sailing in waters near Antarctica.

The Bob Barker, named for the popular game show host who is an animal-rights activist, was damaged to the point that water was entering its engine room. The confrontation between the Japanese and the protesters occured while the protest boats attempted to prevent the Nisshin Maru from refueling.

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