Ocean Sentry
(From abc.net.au) Hobart, Tasmania – The Australian Greens say the Federal Government is not doing enough for the anti-whaling ship the Steve Irwin, which had to abandon its pursuit of Japanese whalers to refuel. The ship arrived in Hobart yesterday afternoon to stock up on fuel and other supplies. Greens leader Bob Brown says the Government needs to do more to discourage Japanese whaling fleets and could consider a refuelling ship in the Antarctic.
“They [whalers] are not wanted anywhere in the world and the Steve Irwin and the Sea Shepherd and [Steve Irwin Captain] Paul Watson and crew are there with huge, massive public support,” he said. “Pity the Government wasn’t behind them.”
Powder tested
Meanwhile, the results of forensic testing on a white powder which sparked a security scare on the ship are due today. The powder was found in a letter Mr Watson opened when the ship docked in Hobart yesterday.
“We put it in a paper bag and sealed it in a container,” Mr Watson said.
Police Inspector David Plumpton says the substance is being analysed but early indications are that it is harmless.
“Whether it’s a hoax has to be determined, exactly the circumstances of that being delivered not only to the Steve Irwin but how it came to be delivered,” he said.
The Steve Irwin is expected to leave Hobart to return to the Southern Ocean on Wednesday.
