A good news story

[philw]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/anti-whalers-sea-shepherd-may-lose-flagship/story-e6freonf-1226098387998

Anti-whalers Sea Shepherd may lose flagship

ANTI-whaling group Sea Shepherd says it needs to raise $US1.4 million to save its flagship vessel the Steve Irwin, which is caught up in a lawsuit.

The group says the Steve Irwin has been detained by a court in the United Kingdom which is hearing a civil lawsuit brought against Sea Shepherd by a Maltese company, Fish & Fish Ltd (F&F).

Sea Shepherd president and founder Paul Watson says the dispute began in June 2010 when the Steve Irwin rescued endangered bluefin tuna from F&F nets.

"They are claiming damages," Captain Watson said today.

"We believe these fish were caught illegally - after the season closed, without an inspector on board, and without any legal paperwork for their catch."

Captain Watson said the group would "aggressively defend the case" but in the meantime needed to post a bond for $US1,411,692 by next week or the ship would be held or possibly sold.

"The Steve Irwin must sail immediately to protect endangered pilot whales in the Faroe Islands," he said.

"Then we sail onto the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary to stop the murderous Japanese whaling fleet."

AAP is seeking more details of the civil suit from Sea Shepherd's representative in Australia.

hope they don't get the donations and loose it,  what would be good is if Japan buy it and use it with there whaling fleet hehe