THE activists of Sea Shepherd have lost their first bid for a fast ship capable of matching the Japanese whaling fleet this summer.
The pro-whaling Government of Antigua snarled the purchase of the new ship, which was registered in the Caribbean nation, according to Sea Shepherd president Paul Watson. Captain Watson confirmed the sale had fallen through but remained confident Sea Shepherd would have a second ship to fight Antarctic whaling. Its other vessel, Farley Mowat, is berthed in Melbourne.
Sea Shepherd had announced the $2.6 million purchase of a ship to be renamed Leviathan and capable of catching the 8000-tonne Japanese factory ship Nisshin Maru. Identified as the Antiguan-flagged former Canadian government patrol ship Lady Chebucto the 55-metre vessel was ice-strengthened, and had a top speed in excess of 17 knots.
"The problem was that it was registered in Antigua, and when Antigua found out that we were intending to purchase the vessel, they informed us that they would not allow us to sail as a registered yacht," Captain Watson said.
more:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/whaling-opponents-fail-in-first-bid-on-ship/2006/10/10/1160246132282.html
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