Kisses from the Kyo Maru

Posted by nicole on 12/21/2005 2:00 pm

Although my last post was about the Kyo Maru, it's worth mentioning that it is not alone in behaving like that. We've put our boats off the stern of the factory ship many times on past expeditions to slow the whaling process down, and in my experience all the hunter ships will muscle our little boats right out of the way. So today we tried something new, and Kyo went well over the line in response.

I should start by saying this is something we've wanted to do for years (at least I have), but we needed a ship as maneuverable as the Esperanza to do it safely. I'll also need to explain a bit about how the whaling process works: Three ships go out hunting. When they harpoon a whale they tie it alongside, and bring it to the factory ship. A cable from the factory ship is used to pull the whale up its stern ramp. The whole transfer process happens at about 5 knots (6 mph/9 kph). More importantly, if the whale is tied along the port (left) side of the hunter, then the ship has to be positioned behind and a bit to starboard (right) of the factory ship before they can transfer the whale.

Today, Frank parked the Esperanza right about where the hunter ship wanted to be - approximately 100 metres (roughly 100 yards) behind the factory ship. Close enough to wreck havoc with their transfer process, but far enough back to stay safe.

After pushing through our boats the Kyo came alongside the Esperanza from the stern, and very deliberately steered right into her. People on board the Esperanza tell me our whole ship shook at the bump, although I don't think it was intended to cause damage. While the crew of the Kyo turned their fire hoses on our ship, their helmsman backed off and came in again - most likely trying to push the Esperanza out of the way. But the Esperanza is quite a lot bigger and more solid than our rubber and plastic boats. The whaling ship couldn't move her. As he had during the entire incident, Frank steered a steady course.

The only comical aspect I have heard about this whole dangerous episode, was John's report of a lone Kyo deckhand, futilely running around with a fender, trying to cushion the impact.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident - although it is easy enough to knock someone overboard or jar them into something with this kind of unexpected hit. And the damage to our ship is not serious (i.e. scratched paint). But it is scary that the whalers will - out of frustration, anger or maybe over eagerness - resort to running into our ship.

For our part, we stay non-violent and peaceful. With the Kyo on us, the factory ship changed course, leaving the Esperanza out of position and making the transfer possible. Frank had to decide - he had the bigger ship and could have pushed the Kyo back out of position. Instead, he chose to steer a steady course, a decision not regretted.

-Andrew

11 comments

Comments:

Denise [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 15:00

put footage on national stations during prime time and maybe people will raise a loud outcry against Japan

jeanne [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 16:06

The footage is definitely powerful and shows the real story. I'm already a supporter of Greenpeace and after seeing the incredible courage the crew of the Esperanza displayed makes me proud.

I cannot believe that the factory ship actually would go as far as beating and using the fire hoses against the non-violent means of Greenpeace.

Continued success to all of you!!

John Colby [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 16:07

This is very important, an example of shining light into the shadows, where atrocities occur invisible to the public.

I urge you to expand this kind of making the invisible visible to other crimes against the environment - clearcutting, industrial farming, violence against peaceful environmental activism. People need to - no they must - see the unintended consequences of their (in)actions.

Kudos to the courage of your crewpeople!

Bonnie McDonald [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 18:13

The filming was excellent and I must say i am proud of what your men do. Someone has to protect God's creatures against mankind. I am a proud supporter of Green Peace and will continue to do so.

Betty Ann Medley [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 19:56

Unbelievable is the only word I can mouth after seeing your latest footage and reading your messages. What courage you must muster up to take on these poachers of whales in a Sanctuary of all places.

If there was any truth to the myth of sexual enhancement via mammal parts, I've yet to see an Asian yet that represented such machismo. You can measure their parts on your littlist phalange.

Thank you for your intervention. I am a proud supporter of Green Peace's efforts to preserve our natural wonders.

Terri Melloway [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 20:28

Views of the footage show the violent behaviour of the Japanese Whalers, ie-brandishing hooks, spears, powerful water hoses, and ramming the Esperanza. Greenpeace must take more powerful measures to deal with these killers of Whales.
You must work toward disabling the Whaling Ships to stop the killing.
Waving signs or yelling at them does nothing to stop them. Take a stronger stance to actually stop them and show the rest of the Whaling Nations that slaughtering these animals cannot go on a minute longer!

Pat Crosby [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 20:41

Just looked at your slideshow. Saw the name whale "research" on one of the whaling ships.

Didn't the nazis call their experimental surgeries on humans "scientific research"?

Thank you, you brave and courage-filled people with calling a spade a spade and enightening the world with your stories.

And Blessings to our whale brothers and sisters.

Linda Hicks [Visitor] on December 21, 2005 at 23:09

Thankyou for your bravery in trying to protect sealife from slaughter. The footage needs to be shown everywhere. Thankyou all for you courage!!!!

Carl [Visitor] on December 22, 2005 at 05:16

surely it's illegal to interfere with a fishing ship, especially when that may put lives in danger? Couldn't this be better done in court, if the Japanese' actions are really illegal? How do you justify these actions?

Mark Becker [Visitor] on January 03, 2006 at 13:56

In regards to Carl's post, it is my understanding that historically speaking the best venue for environmental activism has not been the judicial system. A real change in these whaling practices is likely to more likely to occur with an aware consumer population demanding a more equitable and environmentally friendly practice instead of Greenpeace wasting its resources in a drawn out litigation. I guess you have more faith in the court system than i do in this regard, however, Greenpeaces advocacy would most definately be strengthened if emulated in the court system, so your point is well taken.
But Greenpeace's 'niche' as it were is not to appeal to the branch of law, but to directly intervene and protect the environment when it is threatened and to raise awareness about such issues so others may take it to a system of law, and always non-violently.
Much love and support all of you on the seas out there, your work is important and vital.
Peace...

Andrew - on board the Esperanza [Visitor] on January 25, 2006 at 15:25

My thanks for all of your comments of support, especially Mark. Thanks for making that point.

If you want more, our main crew weblog is at...

http://weblog.greenpeace.org/oceandefenders

You must have an account and be logged in to post comments. Log in or create an account for the Greenpeace member center here.

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31