Media release
7 March 2008
Incident in the Southern Ocean
The Government is aware of reports of another incident this afternoon in the Southern Ocean in which bottles were thrown on board a Japanese whaling vessel by crew members of the Steve Irwin.
Japan has advised the Australian Embassy in Tokyo that a crew member on board the Japanese whaling vessel fired warning shots.
Australian officials in Japan are seeking further information.
I absolutely condemn actions by crew members of any vessel that cause injury – or have the potential to cause injury – to anyone on the high seas.
The Australian Government once again calls on all parties in the Southern Ocean – including all protest and whaling vessels, and their respective crews – to exercise restraint.
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555