Whaling: Japan prepares to launch investigation into forceful harassment by activists in Antarctic waters

Japan's whaling fleet returned to port as authorities prepared to launch an investigation into forceful harassment by activists in Antarctic waters.

Escorted by patrol boats, the 8,044-tonne Nisshin Maru mother ship with 143 crew on board docked at a heavily guarded Tokyo port early Tuesday after a five-month voyage.

The fleet of six vessels killed a total of 551 whales, nearly half of the initially planned haul.

Japan plans to probe the attacks by militant activists in the Antarctic with a view to legal action.

Protesters on the Sea Shepherd ship threw what they described as stink bombs filled with rancid butter onto the decks of whalers. Japan says the bombs contained acid that stings the eyes.

In January, the group also sent two protesters to board a whaling factory ship, sparking a two-day stand-off.

"The disturbances were an unforgivable act," said Shigeki Takaya, assistant director of Fisheries Agency's whaling bureau.

"We will take preventive measures, resorting to legal procedures and gaining international cooperation," he told AFP.

Source AAP
Related article: Japan to quiz crew over whaling protests (SBS World News)

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