Anti-Whaling Activist Says He Was Shot by Japanese Coast Guard

[Clovis Sangrail]

Source: Bloomberg

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Group said its leader was shot in the chest by a member of Japan's Coast Guard during a clash with Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. Japan denied live bullets were fired.
...
The incident marks an escalation in the dispute between anti-whaling activists, Australia and Japan. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura called Sea Shepherd's tactics ``outrageous'' in a press briefing today and the ministry this week summoned Ambassador Murray McLean to demand Australia's government ``take action'' against the group.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=arZR3z1xd9FY&refer=japan

---

If Australia doesn't have the authority to say Japan can't whale there, why does Japan assume they have the authority to "take action" against the group?

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LostinVA]

11. Sick -- these Sea Shepherd guys are heroes

[MaryCeleste]

18. Watson is claiming he was shot by an expert marksman

trying to kill him. If so, a head shot would have been the preferred approach. The video and Watson's own words make me very suspicious of the claim.

[LostinVA]

19. Actually, people are generally trained to hit the body, not the head

I don't know why you have such problems with Watson. His organization is the only one really getting out there and trying to stop the illegal whale hunt.

[MaryCeleste]

20. Average soliders yes, not expert marksmen

My problem with Watson is that is a vigilante doing things on the edge of piracy. When he screws up and people die, it will set the anti-whaling effort back.

There is an IWC meeting going on right now (where you aware of that?). Australia is taking a very hard anti-whaling line. That is how you solve things, not by self aggrandizing media events, which Watson specialized in.

[LostinVA]

21. It was Japanese coasties -- I doubt they're trained for headshots

Yes, I was aware of the IWC meeting, but that's not saving any whales from the whalers on the water, today.

And, Watson, has a very good safety track record, so I'm not too concerned about him setting the anti-whaling effort back.

[MaryCeleste]

22. Which means that Watson's claim he was shot by an expert marksman is BS

Can't have it both ways.

[LostinVA]

23. The guy just got shot and you're parsing words?

Amazing.

[MaryCeleste]

24. That he was shot is questionable

And Watson is a world class word smith...damn right I am challenging him. We was the one saying he was shot by an expert marksman and was saved by his vest and his badge.

[DS1]

31. expert marksmen don't typically have to worry about ship to ship shots

what with both platforms rocking with the waves, as well as gusts of wind that are commonly found at sea.

[MaryCeleste]

32. Watson claimed he was shot by an expert marksman but his badge and vest saved him

No other shots were reported, and he said he felt a thump. For anyone who understands shooting, ballistics and firearms, it just doesn't pass the smell test

[DS1]

35. I understand shooting, ballistics and firearms.

Having been a marksman instructor. Center mass would have been the appropriate shot.

[MaryCeleste]

38. How about the rest of it

I will have to disagree about head shot vs center of mass for a single shot assassination attempt (which is real what it would have been)

[The Stranger]

42. You have moved from purportedly supporting anti-whaling to now questioning how a man was shot.

It is becoming more and more clear where you really stand.

[MaryCeleste]

46. Indeed, I stand for truth and against self promoting vigilantes

Watson is sufficiently self promoting that his claims should be looked at critically. Right now, the evidence released should make us suspicious

[The Stranger]

80. So now your agenda includes personal attacks against Watson --

it appears you are doing everything you can to undermine anti-whaling efforts, and your purported support for Greenpeace was nothing but a ruse.

[DS1]

57. The guy probably doesn't know the difference between an expert shooting

at him or just a regular guy with a rifle. However, it would make sense to put the best shot on the boat behind the trigger. Who knows, perhaps the Japanese have stepped things up.

Regardless of all that, your argument is quite weak. A trained marksman, shooting ship to ship, would aim for center mass, a headshot would be simply reckless. Perhaps you've been watching too many police shows, I don't know what your credentials are on the matter.

[The Stranger]

41. The anti-whaling effort is set back when people do nothing, or attack others they should support.

Watson's actions are but one part of the struggle to the protect the whales. Do your part, but stop attacking others who seek to act for whales in ways different from your own.

[MaryCeleste]

43. The anti-whaling effort is set back by vigilantes like Watson

Hopefully his antics to not make it harder for Australia at the IWC meeting currently underway to make some headway.

[depakid]

53. That's EXACTLY what apologists always say about activists

Indeed, I can't think of a protest or direct action where that hasn't been said.

If anything, the longer this goes on -the more support Australians (and others around the world) have in their international efforts to enforce the law.

[The Stranger]

73. That is a ridiculous statement. But keep them coming.

The more we learn about you, the more I have my suspicions.

Of course Sea Shepherd's efforts do not "make it harder" for Australia. That is utter bullshit.

[xchrom]

2. recommend

[Bonobo]

3. Not bullets. Flash-Bang grenades were used to defend themselves from attack.

[Kolesar]

5. Everybody knows that when a bright, loud explosion goes off, they are safe

:sarcasm:

[Barrett808]

9. Video here:

"Holy fuck!"

http://seashepherd.org/migaloo/video.html

7 March 2008 – Japanese coast guard officers throw flash grenades at the Steve Irwin; Paul Watson is hit by a bullet.

[Red Zelda]

4. I'll just delete my own comment

Had some reference to Hiroshima

[MaryCeleste]

6. More Watson nonsense

1) Given that both sides film everything, where is the video of the shooting, or of someone armed with a rifle?
2) It would have been a rifle shot, which unless he was wearing ceramic armor (really dumb while on a boat) it would have penetrated
3) Lets see the bullet and have it examined by a independent forensics lab
4) Having bullet resistant gear aboard and happening to be wearing it and then getting shot with something that does not pierce it does seem very convenient. That the shooting was faked should be seriously considered.
5) The video, though grainy, what is pulled out of the vest does not look like a bullet that his a vest looks like. (40 sec into the clip)

To answer your question, the Steve Irwin, while apparently flying a Dutch flag is based out of Australia. Its berthing privileges can be revoked.

[Barrett808]

10. See post #9 for video

Yes, the ICR are murderous thugs.

[MaryCeleste]

15. I reviewed what was posted

- No clear image of anyone with a rifle
- No video of Watson being "shot"
- Watson's claim of an expert marksman making a heart shot between two ships both moving in ocean is laughable (dual moving bodies in 3 dimensions)
- No reports of other shots
- What was removed from the vest does not look like a bullet
- Rifle bullet would have penetrated the soft vest



I'm still quite skeptical...

[LostinVA]

12. Why shouldn't they wear bullet resistant gear when in close quarters?

These people are putting their lives on the line.

[TheMightyFavog]

14. Re: #2

Is it possible that they might have been using a pistol caliber carbine instead of a rifle?

[MaryCeleste]

17. Look at the video and freeze around 40 seconds into it

Its a grey hemisphere. No copper jacket. That is not a rifle or carbine round.

The reports say Watson felt a thump. That another clue. If you are shot while wearing a vest, its not a thump.




At this time, what is being claimed does not pass the common sense test

[NickB79]

30. Theoretically, they could have used a 9mm submachine gun

But past 100 yards, you'd have to empty the magazine to have a chance in hell of hitting a man-sized target, much less one on a boat bobbing up around in the ocean. Pistol-caliber rounds are not known for long-range accuracy; the bullets aren't very streamlined so they lose velocity fast and get buffeted by the wind a lot more than rifle bullets. There should be at least a few bullet marks on the ship around where he was standing, unless a Japanese shooter made an incredibly lucky shot.

[MaryCeleste]

33. No other shots reported or bullet damage

This does not pass the smell test.

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MaryCeleste]

68. You are aware that most Federal employes (as best can be determined) support the Democratic Party?

My opposition to Watson is his methods, which are vigilantism, not his goals, which I agree with. Australia is doing it right at the current IWC meeting and Watson is doing it wrong.

The current episode has too many things than don't seem right. The "bullet" for one, the expert shot claim, the lack of immediate reaction by Watson, the lack of video, and the overall convenience of it. If its not fraudulent its most likely secondary effect of the flash bangs.

What is appalling is the willingness of some to accept and cheer the vigilantism and "ends justify the means" that is not a slippery slope, its a precipice.

[Pastiche423]

69. Too bad you're not one of them, eh?

[MaryCeleste]

70. Lifelong member of the Democratic Party

Opposing vigilantism seems to me to be a core value of the party. Why don't you share it?

[The Stranger]

44. You're back again -- posting multiple posts against Sea Shepherd.

Do you still proclaim to support the anti-whaling effort?

[MaryCeleste]

47. I support the way Greenpeace and Australia are doing it, I don't support vigilantes

why do you?

[LeftyMom]

59. The way Greenpeace does it doesn't WORK.

Waving banners, taking video and sending staffers to Japan to eat whale (!) with little old ladies doesn't save any whales. Which is why Watson left Greanpeace and started his own organization.

[The Stranger]

72. You can support Greenpeace (if you really do) without attacking and subverting Sea Shepherd.

They are both seeking the same end result, and support for one does not require you constantly attack and denigrate the other.

In fact, quite the contrary.

[MaryCeleste]

75. So you support vigilantism and beleive that the ends justify the means?

How progressive of you

[The Stranger]

81. What is anti-progressive is your sole end appears to be to discredit and undermine anti-whaling

efforts. As pointed out repeatedly, you don't have to attack Sea Shepherd to support Greenpeace -- but you seem only interested in undermining Sea Shepherd.

[Festivito]

7. Save that bullet. It's worth a lot.

Japan's policing agencies are not allowed to leave any trace of harm. The officer who does will be fired forever from his profession.

Plus, they would not want to lose face as a nation.

[MaryCeleste]

16. You presume its a bullet and it was fired by the Japanese

[LanternWaste]

25. It appears to me that the burden of evidence lies with...

It appears to me that the burden of evidence lies with you to provide us with factual counter-claims.

You've made a point in an attempt to discredit the current story as is, yet without providing any counter-evidence at all it's simply hearsay on your part.

"The burden of proof lies with the critic" (Epicurus) you see.

[MaryCeleste]

26. I have pointed out questionable areas in other posts

And since he is claiming he was attacked by the Coasties, the burden is upon him.

[LanternWaste]

27. It becomes incumbent upon the critic to provide evidence...

A new story is posted (The OP). A critic of the news story appears taking exception with it (you). It becomes incumbent upon the critic (you) to provide evidence/proof that the story (OP) is indeed false.

These are very simple and very true Debate/Logic formats.

However, if you cannot (or will not), I completely understand.

[MaryCeleste]

28. Then I will gladly rehash the argument

Watson has claimed he was shot. Press release followed by a video. It included claims he was shot by an expert marksman and only his vest and badge saved him.

Indications that the PR piece is not fully accurate:
- What was removed from the vest is not consistent with a rifle or pistol bullet.
It was a hollow hemisphere without a copper jacket. For visual confirmation of
this, see the video released by Watson, freeze it 40 seconds.
- Watson's reaction was not that of someone shot. He said he felt a thump.
It should have been much more than that had it been a bullet fired at him.
- No shots were reported fired by anyone at the time
- A rifle bulled would have pierced the vest and badge and severely wounded Watson
- No pictures show anyone with a rifle (both sides make extensive use of video recording)
- There were flashbangs being lobbed at the boat (alternative source of a fragment)
- The extreme difficulty in shooting and hitting a target in the environment. (two
vessels in independent motion on the ocean) much less a perfect chest shot. If that
was possible, a head shot would have been used.

Smell Test: Watson just happened to have a soft vest on while he was attacking another vessel and just happened to be the only one shot and it happened to hit his badge. He miraculously emerges unscathed.



Note your format choice is unsuitable for the event and forum. This is not academic debate with a proposition. It is critical review of a PR piece from a source (Watson) who has a clear agenda and high speed spin cycle

[LanternWaste]

29. A review, maybe. A critical review? Not quite.

A review, maybe. A critical review? Not quite.

My point was simply that it was incumbent upon you to provide additional evidence to be taken with any modicum or seriousness. Sheesh.

[MaryCeleste]

34. The only "evidence" is that provided by Watson. Nothing else is available

Upon critical review of his claims, its not holding up.

[LanternWaste]

36. A statement is considered valid and true until evidence shows otherwise.

Again... let's take this one step at a time:

A statement is considered valid and true until evidence shows otherwise.

It may not be holding up to you and your well thought-out "smell tests", but I have no reason at this time to believe otherwise. That is the sum of my current position.

Or, should I now state deference to your wholly unbiased, completely substantiated and proven claims?

Actually, scratch that last question. You don't appear to have any evidence that he wasn't shot, so yeah-- I'm going with the story in the OP for the time being.

Never really thought I'd do this, but *click* I don;t really have time for a person who tap dances around his own claims, holding others to a standard he himself does not meet.

[MaryCeleste]

39. So if I asserted that the moon was made of green cheese or Shrub was a great president

you would agree?

In this case, the totality of the circumstances would cause anyone competent in the field to have serious questions about what was presented.

[The Stranger]

45. That is a bullshit example of the use of testimony, and you know it.

A witness's statement is indeed evidence.

[The Stranger]

74. Insinuating that the bullet was fired by Sea Shepherd goes far beyond "supporting Greenpeace."

This is outright, constant attacking Sea Shepherd with baseless innuendo and unsupportable allegations.

[MaryCeleste]

76. Disclaiming vigilantism must be a bad thing in your mind

[The Stranger]

79. You don't seem to dispute that your real agenda here is to attack Sea Shepherd, not support

Greenpeace or anti-whaling efforts.

[Barrett808]

8. Japanese Scramble to Spin Shooting Story

Japanese Scramble to Spin Shooting Story
Sea Shepherd News
News Releases
03/07/2008

In the aftermath of a confrontation between the crew of the whaling ship Nisshin Maru and the crew of the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin, the Japanese public relations flacks are working overtime to get the spin right.

First, they admitted that warning shots were fired, then they corrected themselves and said that only flash grenades were fired at the crew of the Steve Irwin. Then they changed the story again and described the flash grenades as “warning balls.” By tomorrow morning, they may have it spun it again and may be describing them as “marshmallows.”

The Japanese Coast Guard and the Japanese Fisheries Agency have stated to the media that the devices were flash grenades and that warning shots were fired. Only the Institute for Cetacean Research is denying that warning shots were fired and describing the flash grenades as “warning balls.”

“I think the video tells the story,” said Sea Shepherd volunteer Laurens De Groot, a former police officer from Rotterdam. “I’m familiar with the devices thrown. They are the type of flash grenade that specially trained SWAT teams used to combat armed and dangerous criminals.”

The Japanese claim that Captain Paul Watson is lying about being shot was expected. When Giles Lane and Benjamin Potts were tied to the mast of the Yusshin Maru No. 2, the Institute for Cetacean Research claimed it was a lie until the video images were released.

Dr. David Page, the ship’s medical officer, has examined and verified that there were three injuries sustained, all severe bruises. Ralph Lowe from Melbourne was bruised on the back by an exploding flash grenade, and Animal Planet cameraman Ashley Dunn from Launceston, Tasmania injured his hip while trying to avoid a flash grenade. Captain Watson has a large bruise and a cut on the upper left side of his chest.

Dr. Page pried a bullet from Captain Watson’s Kevlar vest and examined the bruise where the bullet impacted. Watson’s Sea Shepherd anti-poaching badge took up some of the force of the impact, but it also cut the skin beneath after it was mangled by the bullet.

Japan claims there were only two Coast Guard officers on the Nisshin Maru, but Sea Shepherd photos and videos clearly show at least four uniformed Coast Guardsmen.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura was quoted as saying to the media, “Is it all right to hurt humans in order to protect whales? I think whales are cute and important creatures, but even so, hurting humans is unforgivable."

That is quite the spin--accusing Sea Shepherd crew, who did not injure anyone, of hurting humans after Japanese whalers and the Coast Guard deliberately injured human beings to protect an illegal whaling operation.

The Japanese Coast Guard admitted to the media only a few days ago that its officers were armed with rifles and sidearms. Now they are denying they have rifles.

The Japanese keep changing their story.
The most important fact remains that the Japanese whaling fleet is illegally killing endangered whales in a whale sanctuary in violation of international law and an Australian Federal Court order.

http://seashepherd.org/news/media_080307_3.html

[Clovis Sangrail]

61. like I said in another thread

Watson shoulda fricken' rammed them.

[Barrett808]

13. AFP: Whaling protester says Japanese shot him in high-seas clash

SYDNEY (AFP) — The captain of a protest ship harassing Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean said he was shot in a high-seas clash Friday and his crew members pelted with flash grenades, injuring one.

Paul Watson, captain of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship, said he was shot in his bullet-proof vest, although Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Japanese officials insisted only warning devices were fired.

"What hit me was a bullet, it wasn't a flash grenade. We pulled it out of the vest," Watson told ABC radio.

He said the crew of the Sea Shepherd's ship Steve Irwin was throwing stink bombs at the whaling ship Nisshin Maru when guards posted on the Japanese vessel responded with flash grenades.

He said he felt a thud during the confrontation and later found a bullet lodged in his Kevlar vest, which he said hit with enough force to bruise his chest.

"If I wasn't wearing the vest, it would have been pretty serious," he said.

Watson did not give details of the injuries of the crew member he said was hurt by a flash grenade.

Smith said Japan initially advised Australian officials that shots had been fired but later clarified the incident.

"Japanese officials have now advised the Australian embassy in Tokyo that during the incident in the Southern Ocean this afternoon, three warning balls -- also known as flashbangs -- had been fired," Smith said in a statement.

(more)

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gTMAPm7OSUdgWl_NIoO0C8d10DRQ

[flvegan]

37. And the Japanes whalers and supporters lie to cover it up.

Me, shocked? No.

Now if Watson had shot one of the whalers, SOME members of this board would absolutely wet themselves over the need to call him a terrorist.

[MaryCeleste]

40. What has been released so far makes it hard to acertain that he was shot

Perhaps when more comes out it will be easier to tell one way or the other. My take is if its not a fake it was a secondary effect of the flashbangs. Too many things do not add up for it to be a sniper.

And he is a vigilante, not a terroist

[flvegan]

48. Your "take" is maligned by your hatred of Watson.

Your constant spew about him leaves me unimpressed with your analysis.

[MaryCeleste]

49. Its not personal...vigilantism is repugnant to most people as is ends justifies the means thinking

I counter those who would put him on a pedestal. I am not the only one here who thinks poorly of him.

[flvegan]

50. Your concern is noted.

[depakid]

54. You may not be the only one

but you're one of the most vehement and persistent.

Under the circumstances, it does reasonable people might go hmmmm.

[hack89]

56. Unlike the vehement and persistent supporters of Watson?

I thought DU was the place to bring passion about things that are important - can't there be passion on both sides of this issue?

[KingOfLostSouls]

58. watson is a known bigot

he's advocated exterminating native peoples who don't play the "nice savage" aka the "house n###er" and pose for pictures with chicken feather headdresses on.

whenever native people's have exercised their guaranteed rights, watson has advocated exterminating them and partnered with avowed conservative racists.

he's a douchebag, and thats a fact.

[depakid]

67. Sure - point is, rational people question motives

and should.

That's critical thinking -which all too often gets overshadowed by emotion (or something similar).

The above post being a representative case in point.

[hack89]

77. But it isn't

Watson is a controversial person who offends many anti-whalers. You seem to be unable to accept that there can be a distinct difference between the movement and Watson. I do not see rational thought being overshadowed by emotion - I see some one able to see shades of gray.

[MaryCeleste]

78. But critizie him and his vigilante tactics and you become whaling apologist

Australia's push at the current IWC meeting is going to be hampered by Watson's antics.

[Name removed]

51. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

55. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Annces]

60. Prayers for safety

for the wonderful Captain and crew.

[Sgent]

62. Watson's lucky

they were using non-lethal flash bangs rather than a 50 cal machine gun.

Attacking a vessel on the open seas is piracy, and the Japanese Coast Guard would have been within their rights to sink them.

[Barrett808]

63. Examine Sea Shepherd bullet, Japan says

Japan has challenged anti-whaling activists in the Southern Ocean to let Australian police examine a bullet the protesters claim hit their leader in a clash on Friday.

Glenn Inwood, a spokesman for Japan's Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR), ruled out any chance the bullet it is claimed struck the head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society came from a whaling vessel.

"We challenge them to go to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and let them examine the bullet. ... They (police) would get a sense pretty quickly from what (type of) gun it came from," Inwood said.

On Friday night Paul Watson, the captain of the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin, claimed he was shot and others injured during an encounter with Japanese whalers.

Watson said a bullet hit him just above his heart, and he was saved by a Kevlar vest he was wearing, where he found the ammunition embedded.

He said two Australians, 33-year-old Ralph Lowe from Melbourne and Ashley Dunn, 35, a cameraman from Launceston, had also been injured during the clash with the Japanese.

...

Speaking to AAP from a satellite phone on Saturday morning, Watson said he would be happy to co-operate with the Federal Police.

Watson said in the past he had found the AFP to be impartial in their dealings with Sea Shepherd, but he would provide the bullet for analysis if they requested it.

(more)

http://news.theage.com.au/examine-sea-shepherd-bullet-japan-says/20080308-1y1i.html

[Barrett808]

64. Animal Planet Statement Regarding Sea Shepherd Society Activities in the Antarctic

SILVER SPRING, Md., March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the last several months, Animal Planet's producers have been embedded with the Sea Shepherd Society for a new television mini-series entitled WHALE WARS, where the U.S.-based cable television network's producers have followed the organization's annual sojourn to stop Japanese whaling operations in the Antarctic Ocean. The organization uses unconventional and radical methods to eradicate controversial whaling operations and was founded by former Greenpeace member Paul Watson.

Several high-profile and internationally publicized incidents have unfolded since December 2007, including two Sea Shepherd crew members being temporarily held against their will by a Japanese vessel, and yesterday, when Paul Watson was hit with a gunshot, allegedly fired by another Japanese ship. Watson was unharmed in the situation as he was wearing a protective vest.

The events that have taken place were all captured by Animal Planet's producers and will be presented through the documentary series WHALE WARS, slated for U.S. broadcast this fall. Animal Planet is thankful that all parties to these conflicts over the last three months to-date are safe and unharmed. The network will showcase these events with a strong journalistic lens that spotlights this global conservation issue that has several nations at odds over both the practice of whaling in oceanic territories.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-07-2008/0004770053&EDATE=

[Barrett808]

65. Nature blog: Sea Shepherd claims the Australian embassy has confirmed that warning shots were fired

...Sea Shepherd claims the Australian embassy has confirmed that warning shots were fired from the Nisshin Maru. The group also says, “The Japanese Coast Guard and the Japanese Fisheries Agency have stated to the media that the devices were flash grenades and that warning shots were fired. Only the Institute for Cetacean Research is denying that warning shots were fired and describing the flash grenades as ‘warning balls’.”

We will ask the Australians and the Japanese what went on and get back to you.

http://blogs.nature.com/news/thegreatbeyond/2008/03/shooting_claim_in_whaling_figh.html

[Barrett808]

66. Sea Shepherd Crew Head South In Search Of Harpoons

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x137718

[Barrett808]

71. Restraint urged in whaling battle (by Federal Foreign Minister Stephen Smith)

Federal Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has officially voiced his concerns to Japan about the escalation in the whaling dispute in the Southern Ocean.

This follows claims by the head of the anti-whaling protesters, Paul Watson, claiming that the Japanese had fired shots at his ship, the Sea Shepherd.

But officials in Tokyo dispute this and say armed coast guard officers threw so-called flash-bangs, which are designed to make noise, but cause no harm.

Mr Smith says he sent a delegation from the Australian embassy in Tokyo to see Japanese authorities to make the point that the incident was an unwelcome development.

He says the Australian Government wants to see restraint exercised by both sides.

"We condemn absolutely any conduct which is either unsafe or puts people at risk," he said.

"I again call on all parties to show restraint. What is required here, even in the face of great provocation, is calm and restraint."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/08/2184147.htm

[saigon68]

82. WOW

Lots of love here today

[Barrett808]

83. New photos: muzzle flash?

Gun Shot Discharge?
Commentary by Captain Paul Watson
On Board the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin
03/08/2008

The following two images were taken during the March 7 encounter between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel the Steve Irwin and Japanese whaling vessel the Nisshin Maru. These photos clearly depict armed Japanese Coast Guard officers in plain view. On board the Steve Irwin, crew members are asking themselves the question:

Is the light in the centre of the photographs the discharge of a gun shot?







http://seashepherd.org/editorials/editorial_080308_3.html

In addition, you can clearly hear two reports at 11 and 12 seconds in the video:

http://seashepherd.org/migaloo/video/2008-03-07_video_clip_09_Japanese_Military_Response_to_Sea_Shepherd_Enforcement_Action.wmv

The whalers may have used concussion grenades to mask the reports.

More videos:

http://seashepherd.org/migaloo/video.html