Free Republic

The unfortunate drama surrounding the collision and sinking of the Ady Gil has finally reached a conclusion. An arbitrator last week ruled that the Sea Shepherd acted “wrongful” in their decision to scuttle the ship and not allow for proper salvage efforts. The trimaran, named for its benefactor and owner Ady Gil, a Hollywood TV businessman and animal activist, famously collided on January 7th, 2010 with a Japanese whaling vessel. The event, captured on film for Animal Planet’s “Whale Wars” reality series, drew international attention for both the conservation organization and its anti-whaling mission. While the Ady Gil was disabled...

After months of frustration, Sea Shepherd finally find their target - the Nisshin Maru.

TONIGHT at 9PM E/P on Animal Planet: When a massive target is detected on their radar, Sea Shepherd sends out their new helicopter pilot to ID the mystery vessel. But as the helicopter reaches the limits of its fuel range, it abruptly disappears.

With three activists aboard the Japanese security vessel, Captain Paul Watson hopes the media frenzy will force the Shonan Maru 2 to back off. Meanwhile, the crew of the Steve Irwin are plunged into their most violent battle yet.

The exhausted crew of the Brigitte Bardot scramble to evacuate the ailing vessel. And Captain Paul Watson goes on the offensive, sending a team to board the heavily armed security vessel: the Shonan Maru.

The Sea Shepherds' scout vessel, the Brigitte Bardot, is slammed by a 30-foot wave, and water is entering the vessel through a crack in the pontoon. The terrified crew issues a distress call to the rest of the Sea Shepherd fleet, but help is more than 20 hours away. Fighting swells and brutal cold, the crew hopes to hold the outrigger in place with rope and straps. If the damaged piece is ripped from its slender mount, the crew fears the vulnerable craft may be torn to pieces.

The Sea Shepherds' scout vessel, the Brigitte Bardot, is slammed by a 30-foot wave, and water is entering the vessel through a crack in the pontoon. The terrified crew issues a distress call to the rest of the Sea Shepherd fleet, but help is more than 20 hours away. Fighting swells and brutal cold, the crew hopes to hold the outrigger in place with rope and straps. If the damaged piece is ripped from its slender mount, the crew fears the vulnerable craft may be torn to pieces.