Paul Watson Says Anti-Whaling Mission Will Not Endanger Crews
Nearly four decades after Icelandic whaling vessels were sunk in Reykjavík harbour, environmental activist Paul Watson has launched a new campaign that deliberately invokes that episode as anti-whaling activists return to Icelandic waters. The expedition, known as Operation 86, is operating from the vessel Bandero , which is now inside Iceland’s exclusive economic zone. The campaign aims to prevent this year’s commercial whale hunt, although Watson says those involved will no
Nearly four decades after Icelandic whaling vessels were sunk in Reykjavík harbour, environmental activist Paul Watson has launched a new campaign that deliberately invokes that episode as anti-whaling activists return to Icelandic waters. The expedition, known as Operation 86, is operating from the vessel Bandero , which is now inside Iceland’s exclusive economic zone. The campaign aims to prevent this year’s commercial whale hunt, although Watson says those involved will not endanger whaling crews. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV Paul Watson says the campaign is intended to prevent whales from being killed, not to endanger crews. The Icelandic Coast Guard has dispatched Þór to accompany the whaling vessels. Operation 86 is named after the 1986 sinking of Icelandic whaling boats in Reykjavík harbour. Photo: Captain Paul Watson Foundation Coast Guard Response The Icelandic Coast Guard has deployed the patrol vessel Þór towards the whaling fleet following consultations with the Minister of Justice. According to the Coast Guard, the vessel’s role is to safeguard the whaling ships while the protest campaign is underway. Watson has previously acknowledged organising the 1986 operation in which two activists sank Icelandic whaling vessels in Reykjavík harbour. One of those activists is now a member of Bandero ‘s crew. However, Watson, who is not aboard Bandero , said the group’s objective is to stop whales being killed by Icelandic whaling company owner Kristján Loftsson. He rejected claims that the activists intend to act unlawfully, arguing that the campaign is operating within what he described as international conservation law. “I have never caused accidents involving people in half a century of activism,” Watson told RÚV. Photo: Captain Paul Watson Foundation Read more stories covering Icelandic society, politics, business, and culture at Iceland Review News . The post Paul Watson Says Anti-Whaling Mission Will Not Endanger Crews appeared first on Iceland Review .
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