Distress call from the Nisshin Maru | Home | Esperanza arrives at the crippled Nisshin Maru

Dave, you've got to be kidding. "we'll do our best to take the Nisshin Maru all the way into port." First of all, they publicly said Greenpeace are terrorists. That tells me you are waisting your time. However, let's say they took you up on your offer. I gather you would only make this offer if they agreed to not to replace or repair the Nisshin Maru? Would Greenpeace actually trust them? I'm sorry Dave, but you guys are kind of naive. Who's idea is this?

Bob, read what we said above. We're not naive - this is what happens in these situations. We've the best-equipped ship in the area - the Esperanza used to be a firefighting vessel, and has towing capabilities. Just because the Fisheries Agency of Japan calls us "terrorists", doesn't mean that they have a say in what happens - it's all very well for them to such things from their offices in Tokyo - the fleet's owners is actually a company called Kyodo Senpaku.

Then there's New Zealand - the government is involved too, in providing rescue and protecting the environment. The nearest suitable tug is about a week away.

It's quite a fluid situation. Just bear with us...

Hey Bob, 2 things:

1. Wasting, not waisting.

2. Clearly your strategy is as well thought out as your spelling. The immediate issue is to prevent further environmental damage resulting from the ship fire. The destruction of this ship, or any other, will not stop whaling. Policy in Japan must change, period, or else there will always be other ships with other crews willing to make money off of whaling. Kind of naive to think otherwise, no?

Hi Everyone on the Esperanza,
I just wanted to say that I'm really proud to be able to say that support you guys this week. Of course our top priority should be making sure that everyone is ok, followed very closely by getting that ship out of the way before it does any (more) environmental damage. You are showing yourselves to be honourable and ethical in your dealings with the distress calls, helping fellow seamen/women out even if they are your enemies. Towing the Nisshin Maru out of danger (and as far away from the penguin colonies as possible) will prove that you are not environmental terrorists at all, but a group of people who are not just committed to saving the whales but also to the values that unite us as the human race.

Plus it will make really good footage; Greenpeace towing the damaged, unsafe and environmentally hazardous Japanese whaling vessel back into port.

Emma - thanks for the good thoughts, but we're not doing this "to get good footage". As I said, we've got the capabilities to help out.

Sorry about the spelling error.
3. whose, not who's
If that ship came back for the hunt the next year this would end up coming back to haunt GP in the long run.

Bob - what are the choices? Leave the ship to drift in a pristine environment? We're hearing all sorts of news reports. There's no way we want to see it back whaling next year - but that's not the issue right now. It's next year - let's deal with now first. We'll assess the situation when we arrive. Bear with us.

Dave, tow it to the nearest non-whaling country but don't tow it back to Japan.

Bob - we're not that crazy.

They don't want you to help them, since you won't be a "terrorist" any more after in the eye of those who still thinks you are.

Persuading political agenda under such circumstances is irresponsible of Japanese government, ICR, or whoever makes the decision. Afterwards, how would one say their whaling to be environmentally sustainable and friendly, if they are not willing to show real awareness in current disastrous situation?

Eu nao acredito que depois de voces terem sido chamados de terroristas voces ainda estao dispostos a ajudar esse pessoal. Caso voces os ajudem o tiro pode sair pela culatra pois qualquer coisa que saia errada eles vao arrumar um jeito de culpa-los. Deixem que o Japao e a Nova Zelandia se virem e pecam socorro para o resto do mundo no esforco de evitar um desastre ambiental o que serviria para enfatizar o porque essa caca e tao perigosa e desnecessaria. Seria dada uma cobertura maior ao assunto e talvez a CNN, FOX e cia farao uma materia que mostrara ao resto do mundo a atrocidade que a caca e.

Dave on the Esperanza: Can you please repost in English? Thanks.

"But the Nisshin Maru may have refused help because the ship had been boarded by Greenpeace activists in New Caledonia in 1998 as it lay in port after another fire, Moronuki said."
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP266325.htm

If I remember well, although a crewmember of the Nisshin-maru had died in the fire that hit the ship in 1998, Greenpeace activists tied themselves to the harpoon gun of one of the catcher boats.

"Plus it will make really good footage; Greenpeace towing the damaged, unsafe and environmentally hazardous Japanese whaling vessel back into port." --Emma

I guess that's one of the reasons you asked the Australian government to oblige the Japanese whaling fleet to let you tow the Nisshinmaru.

I have posted an account of the New Caledonia protest below. It seems Moronuki is either miss-informed or miss-quoted. -- Andrew (Greenpeace webbie)

I can't believe that after having being called terrorists you guys are still willing to help them. If ( a big if ) they get to accept it and anything goes wrong they will twist the facts in order to make you look bad. Let Japan and NZ ask the rest of the world for help in preventing an environmental disaster which would be helpful in showing the entire world why this hunt is so dangerous and unnecessary ( please note that I am not praying for an environmental disaster, I am praying for better mainstream coverage of the hunt and Japan's sneaky ways so that more people will be aware of it ) believe me no one I know here in the US and in my native Brazil knew about any of it, I have a cousin, who's a Brazilian diplomat in DC, and he didn't know it either.

Sticks and stones Adriana, sticks and stones. We've been called worse. If fire hoses don't put us off, why would name-calling?

isanatori - even if you were right about the reason why to tow Nisshin Maru, then still it would worth it for Japanese whalers to accept the help as the environmental disaster is looming on the horizon.

If Greenpeace cared about their image over the Japanese whaling issue, then perhaps it would be useful for them to let the ship sink. To say afterwards "See, we were right. Whaling should not be in Antarctica." I doubt in that case Japanese whaling fleet will enter Antarctic waters ever. That would be the victory for Greenpeace. But under conditions of harm to Antarctic environment, actually, it is not. It's all about environment in general, neither about Greenpeace image nor political agenda.

Some of the comments on this thread are absolutely ridiculous. If the Nishin Maru leaks oil or god forbid, sinks it will be an environmental disaster. No one in their right mind could let that happen or want it to.

Then there's the fact that in a situation like this helping is the right thing to do. Aside from being the law of the sea standing by while others struggle is simply wrong. Call us deluded hippies if you like, but we're deluded hippies doing the right thing.

It is dangerous in the Southern Ocean, one person may already have died. To not offer all possible assistance now would be ridiculous.

Hi, in this link it can be see some photos of the Nisshin Maru and on the portside of the ship a disperse spill of fuel-oil???
PP

http://www.icrwhale.org/08/s/08-A-03.htm

Let's hope that the Japanese government allows the "salvage" as quick as possible... Even though it might look strange but I believe it is the right thing to do.

One of the reasons I like Greenpeace is because it is not only shouting but also presenting solutions.

Looks like those Japanese lessons will come in handy...

Cheerz to all....

Hi to all on the Esperanza. I was reading about the happenings over there and I am still so worried about their missing crew member. I hope that he is found safe and not badly hurt. I also hope that this will put the stop on their hunt for the whales. I appreciate that you guys are willing to help out by towing out that ship. Of course they called you bad names but I am glad to see that this has not changed your minds about still helping them. After all there are human lives aboard that ship that are so precious and are also worth saving. I am also fearful for the beautiful Penguin population and hope so much that this can be handle with the least casualties, hopefully with no casualties at all. You are a strong group of people and it is so sad that another tragedy could be looming if things are not taken care of right away. The last thing that is needed is for there to be a huge oil spill. It just breaks my heart that there are those that feel violence is this answer to everything. Violence is what caused a detremiental fuel oil spill here in Lebanon and the effects are just awful. Please be safe and know that I care for you guys as my own family. I hope that everyone is safe aboard all of the ships out there and know that you will do all what you can to prevent a disaster. Thank you for your courage and smart thinking. Take care everyone of you on the Esperanza. And thank you for remaining peaceful.

Sincerely,

Aaliyah
(Beirut, Lebanon)

1998 Fire

This is all before my time, but here is what I understand happened:

In 1998, there was a fire on board the Nisshin Maru while it was on the way to the whaling grounds. The whalers issued a distress call, which was later canceled.

About five days afterwards, the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise was in the area and diverted to see if assistance was still needed. When the Sunrise arrived the fire was still burning or just put out, and the Nisshin Maru was still adrift.

The whaler's did not acknowledge radio calls, but answered using international flag signals that they declined assistance. After remaining a while to be sure assistance was really not required, the Arctic Sunrise continued on its way.

The Nisshin Maru was later towed to New Caledonia. After partial repairs were completed the whaling fleet planned to return to Japan for further repairs, and then head to the whaling grounds.

Greenpeace activists occupied the mooring lines of the Nisshin Maru to prevent it from leaving port, and divers placed chains on the propellers of one of the catcher ships (and notified its captain).

Neither of these actions posed any risk whatsoever to the ship's crew. They were at dock and could walk off their ships any time they liked. The ships were not damaged in any way. Our actions did succeed in delaying the whaling fleet's departure, and almost certainly saved whales. The whaler's did eventually made it to the whaling ground, but killed far fewer whales than planned.

This is the story as I heard it from a couple of people - just from talking over beers and that sort of thing.

The main point is that, as in every case, Greenpeace did not put the whalers at risk in any way. They have not always been as kind to us, but I believe they would assist our crew in a situation as serious as this one. And of course we would accept their help if safety of life or environment was at stake.

Today on the NZBC Radio News:
The New Zealand Government told the Japanese Embassy in NZ to get that ship away from the coast and out to sea. (Apparently there are less than two days of clear weather ahead.)
It is important that the ship does not leak oil where it is. That would be an environmental disaster.
The Japanese do not have to take the help of Greenpeace, but they have a responsibility to do what NZ says.
The SeaShepherd is a tugboat, and its captain is qualified to tow such a vessel. It is the only such vessel in the area.

So we will have to wait and see which method of "losing face" the Japanese choose!

Let us hope they choose to take Greenpeace's help and save the "largest adele penguin colony"!

Dave on the Esperanza: Kathleen, as far as we know, Sea Shepherd are heading back to land. Neither of their ships are tugboats. The Greenpeace ship, the Esperanza, is a former firefighting vessel, with towing capabilities

Hi Guys
Thanks for being there on behalf of all of us who wish to see an end to whaling.
You will win more friends and gain more support by acting in a humanitarian way than by lowering your standards to those of the whalers. i believe you are on the right track.
Safe Sailing
Paul

Good luck to all on the Esperanza. You are doing the right thing in offering to help, regardless what the Japanese say. Our thoughts are with you.

We have very little real information to go on, but here's my 2 cents anyway. Dave, feel free to comment.

Greenpeace offers to help. It's the right thing to do. It's also a basic obligation under common maritime law to provide assistance to vessels in need. However, the New Zealand Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre put the Esperanza on standby and that directive hasn't yet changed.

I suppose they (NZ) have reason to believe that the Japanese have got the situation under control. The whalers have a number of their own support vessels, and two of these are apparently flanking and helping to manuevre the Nisshin Maru. Whether they are capable of towing the large vessels to safer waters is yet to be seen, but according to the Japanese, they are still dealing with the fire and will stay put until that is resolved. They insist the situation is not desperate and are basically waiting for the fire to go out. The ship was listing for a while as a result of fire fighting water, but that's been pumped out and are back on an even keel.

Until the Esperanza arrives on scene and we get a second opinion, we won't really know the extent of the damage or how dangerous the situation really is. Bad weather could, of course, make things very tricky, and it would be wise for the Japanese to leave the area as soon as they could, but I reckon they are probably pretty aware of this.

I think the Japanese are making a big issue of refusing Greenpeace's help because they have the opportunity to. There is also a very great need to save face here, and getting a tow from the Esperanza would be a terrible blow to their pride.
I think they would try everything else first, but the Nisshin Maru has a skipper, not a politician, so if it were desperate, he'd be obliged to ask the Esperanza for help.

Let's wait and see shall we?

Dave, when you arrive, what's the chance of spotting oil pollution in the vicinity of the Nisshin? Even if there has been no spill as such, they've been and pumped fire fighting water off ship, and that could be loaded with contaminants and oil. Perhaps prudent to take water samples for later analysis? Or is that ridiculous, it's the Great Southern Ocean? Still, the Japanese claim it is totally contained, you'd only need to find a trace to prove they were lying.

Cheers
Mik

I do agree with Martin, if the Nishin Maru leaks oil or sinks (we all hope not) it will be an environmental disaster. We already had too many of ocean disasters.

I am sure that helping is the right thing to do.

I commend the crew of the Esperanza for your common-sense and responsible approach to the critical situation in the Antarctic. The actions and motives of the Japanese government are under scrutiny - if Japan doesn't accept your offer of assistance, it again clearly points out the sham of research whaling. Putting a pristine area at risk of potentially devastating environmental damage is irresponsible and reprehensible.

This is a huge blow to Japan's whaling program and to Japan's reputation internationally, but I sincerely hope ego and pride can be put aside and Japan will do the right thing by accepting your offer to tow the stricken vessel.

You, Greenpeace, have raised the bar on being environmentally conscious. I hope the world is paying attention.
echo

I agree with what Martin said and what GP's decision is in this issue. We have to remember that human lives are still important no matter if they are whalers or not. Secondly, GP's mission is not only to stop whaling but to defend the health of the world's oceans, plants, animals and humans living on it. It is only right for them to ensure no environmental disaster happens in the Antarctic that could affect its pristine environment. Congratulations GP!!

Just wanted to say 'good on you' to all you guys on the Esperanza. Though my personal inclination would be to just let them drown, the right thing obviously has to be done. I am not too PC to say the environment and the penguins need to be protected. I do think though that you will have a tough time convincing them that they have to accept your help...they kill whales under the pretext of scientific research, including the fin whales which are endangered...so obviosly not in the habit of living up to obligations under law.

Besides which...how would it look? I know everyone is down playing this as unimportant in the face of a potential human or environmental tragedy...but lets face it, it really won't be a ringing endorsement for a Japanese whaler to be rescued by so-called 'terrorists'. Many people I know won't support Greenpeace because they perceive them to be environmental extremists...well this will definitely show Greenpeace in a different light!

You do a fantastic job out there guys!!!
Good luck and good 'sailing'.

I'd like to say congradulations to you guys and to tell you to keep going ! Beacause, whaling activists or whale hunters we are all humans and i honestly don't understand how some people can say that you should just leave the Nisshin Maru and not help. This is something that could happen to anyone and I"m sure that noone would like to be stuck in the midlle of the ocean without any help, despite what some highly-paid official that sits behind a desk in the comfort of an office might say.
Before thinking of any possible environmental destruction and loss (i believe) we ought to think about human life!
So, congradulations for being the "bigger people" :)

I´m really proud of you guys. Even when some people call you terrorists, you are helping them. That´s the way it should be. Act as really human beings taking care of our brothers who still don´t have the evolution degree you guys have. Thanks a lot for being such a great crew with huge hearts and feelings.

hi guys, well, what a turn around this seems to be, whilst whaling is a terrible persuit, we mustnt lose sight of the fact that as abhorent as we find the practice of whaling, to turn our backs on a distress call from the whalers is inexcusible and would make gp as callous as the whalers themselves. its a shame that someone may have lost their life, but im very proud of you guys down there in the esperanza for displaying the humanity that you have. good luck with the work you do, and safe passage to you all

Oh my God, ...Love your enemies, ...if it only could all come true. Thanks so much Dave. My heart is soaring right now thanks to you and your heroes along side you there. Your words and actions have struck the most Loving chord in my heart today. Perfect Love, ...perfect sense to a better world, ...and for ourselves, to be better men. It's an honor for me to be in the presence of you all. I sincerely mean that. ...GC

Please...
I can't bear anymore any other stupid comments on Greenpeace by those assassins called japanese!
I really hate them.
I know we don't have to use violence, but, sometimes, I couldn't (and I won't) control myself!
Instead of helping them, why don't you let them die, as they deserve..
Sorry but events like this makes me angry and I need to shout my fury!

Being a sailor myself, I can only say that coming to the aid of a ship in distress is something that goes without saying for any seafaring person. No one who's been on board of a ship for some time (cruises etc. aside) would even think about accusing the crew to do this /only/ for publicity! Might be this brings some publicity along, and no harm done in using it, but I'm sure the crew really thinks about that missing person and the environmental danger at hand first. And while some agency may decline help, I hope the people on the Nisshin Maru are seamen enough to appreciate the offered help.

I salute to the people onboard Esperanza!

Hello ! !

I don't speack english but i thing:

"Le principal entre les humains est la solidarite'alors bravo d'honnoré la première, celle des gens de me
Good luck

Hi all,

The whole point of this matter is that a ship is in trouble. Surely the best plan of action is to give assistance to the vessel and its crew and let all the arguments aabout what is right or wrong be setteled in court.

Dave:

I believe it would do the Japanese crew good to spend time on board the Esperanza. Perhaps by the time you get the NM back to port, you'll have many fabulous anti-whaling testimonials on film from the converted whalers. For any whalers reluctant to preach the GP gospel, you can always withold rations or keelhaul them in the frigid Southern Ocean.

Keep up the good blogging, man.

I would like to see that ship sink with all those administrators of this big enterprise that haunts whales. But for the sake of the sea and for all human lives that are inside this boat, to help them its the best way to hit those who hunt and, at the same time, save this sanctuary. Good work people :) .

It seems everyone who is criticizing GP for offering help is fogetting the absolute number one reason for offering the help. Get the damaged ship out of there to avoid further environmental damage. Isn't protecting the environment and the flora and fauna living there the reason GP exists? Really GP is offering to help Japan and the people on the ship because right now, at this moment in time, that is what is best for the environment. Kudos GP.

Tim Maple

Greenpeace are wonderful, they do whats right, our love for our planet must always come first, lets keep sending Japan our love and they will feel it, and there will be an end to Whaling.
Love light and happiness to Mother Earth our beautiful planet, with all my love.

Esperanza crew: I salute you all! We DO have an obligation to offer aid in a time of crisis, not only to help the ocean and penguins, but also the Japanese sailors. I would almost be willing to bet, that if you asked the sailors and NOT the corporation behind them, if they wanted our assistance, their answer would be "yes". I think this is a very good opportunity to show the world what we really stand for, and by doing so, we will get the chance to further educate them about what is going on with the whaling industry...

Unbelievable that they seem to have pumped all the fire fighting water over the side..this would have been full of chemical villains from the combustion of oil, plastics, wiring etc etc....was it really necessary to do that, couldn't it have been pumped and contained in onboard tanks?

Or have we been misled again and it was pumped overboard because the ship was dangerously unstable notwithsatnding all the assurances of those driving their desks in the company office safe on dry land.....?

Anyway best of luck you folk out there on the Espy....

Right...as usual the caretakers of the planet are called 'terrorists'. We get used to this. Its a grossly incompetent description we know that but remember you are dealing with corporates. The Japanese do not want to accept help from Greenpeace (even though it would be the most responsible action they could do to prevent environmental disaster) because it would make Greenpeace look heroic and correct in the public eye...something they do not want.
At the end of the day, the Japanese should be considering their human life and the possible impact on the environment and they should reflect that. Greenpeace have offered the right ethical solution and the Japanese are being proud and protecting themselves from the harsh reality of what they do. Greenpeace GO!!!

Great work guys
You are realy showing how decent and caring people think and act. This is the face that Greenpeace should be showing to the world. Only with massive public oppinion will whaling end forever and this is the way of gaining it.

Good (and safe) sailing

Standby to help but in the meantime collect water samples for analysis. Even if the Japanese know they have caused a spill they will lie about it, so do what you can to carry out an honest environmental assessment of the event.

hey i kinda agree with that bob guy in a way. anyway wat i think is well you know maybe the fire was just a distraction so like while the Esperanza is being all noble and towing the Nissin Maru(watever its called) away another japanese ship will come and hunt as many whales as they can while the esperanza is miles away. do u guys have other ships in the premisis? but don't get me wrong i think wut u guys are doing is really good and you guys are being great role models but you know u better have a back up plan because if the esperanza were the one in danger do u think the japanese would help you if ur crew were in danger?

Hey BRICK. For a start there isn't any other Japanese factory ship! Yes, there's a few catcher boats (the ones with the harpoons) but they are very small and don't have meat processing or storage facilities. So if they caught whales they can't do anything thing with them.

As for the whalers coming to aid - yes, they would. Just nine days ago, two crewmen from the Sea Shepherd vessel Farley Mowat went missing, and the whalers helped in the search. It is the way things are odne at sea.

WOW. Reading some of the comments I just have to shake my head in disgust. What kind of morals do you people have that state greenpeace should allow these people to drown. Is this the way to treat humans who's opions differ from yours? You clain to be environmentalists and oh so concerned about all manner of animals in peril, but when it comes to the crew of this whaling ship you lose all sense of what is right and wrong. UNBELIEVABLE and I'm ashamed to be grouped under the banner of environmentalist with such uncaring people.

Thank God the crew of the Esperanza are compassionate friends of all, both human and animal, that need help. Thanks guys, you do us proud! Glad to see your video camera seems to be working again....the view night be pretty interesting soon. Good luck and God Bless!

I agree with Kathy, Thanks guys, you do us proud!
-Duerman con el alma en paz, ustedes son buena gente de verdad.

-Un abrazo grande, Matias

Greenpeace is doing the right thing. I heard on the radio this morning that the Japanese Govt may not start to move the Nisshin Maru until tomorrow!

They're not even admitting the whaling season has ended, even though it's bleedin obvious they can't do any more after a big fire in the processing factory.

this is madness. Maritime NZ (the closest Search and Rescue operation) is calling for the Japanese Govt to get the ship out of there too. the NZ Govt is calling for the same.

The weather is ok now - but it might not stay that way.

Seems the suits in Tokyo have no idea what they're doing... mucking around instead of dealing with what could be an environmental catastrophe in the Antarctic - plus getting their crew out of there.

Hang in there Esperanza, you guys are SO doing the right thing.

Its wonderful to see such great ambassdors for Greenpeace out there, doing the best they can to resolve a volatile situation,thinking of the crew on-board the nissin maru and putting conflicting opinions aside to save the crew in distress. I take my hat off to the crew on board the Esperanza and wish you all the best out there.
"Keep a green bough in your heart and a singing bird shall come."

Ancient chinese proverb.