What would we do without the SSCS Pirate Group they actually document most, if not all, of their piratical activities. The latest incident is harassment of an innocent tanker on passage in The Southern Ocean. Their latest Press Release complete with photos shows all three of their vessels in close proximity of the MT Sun Laurel. This is in complete violation of the International Rules of the Road which designates how vessels should conduct themselves on the High Seas. Not that this Pirate Group is known for following the Rules of the Road if it does not suit them.
By SSCS PG own report the motor tanker (MT) is north of the 60 degree latitude line and they should immediately stand well clear of the vessel by at least two (2) nautical miles and suggest five (5) nautical miles. If they want to follow this tanker on innocent passage then do it from astern and the MS Gojira is in complete violation of the International Rules of the Road. Rule 2 (a) to start with, Rule 7 (a), Rule 8 & Rule 16 would also apply. The MT Sun Laurel has adequate grounds for taking legal action under International Maritime Law. Someone as experienced as Lockhart MacLean knows very well that impeding the rightful passage by steaming close ahead of any vessel, particularly a loaded tanker, is extremely hazardous.
It is clear that MacLean a lifelong conservationist is now a full cult member of the SSCS Pirate Group and under the thumb of 'Wats-his-name'. This is most disappointing as NAUTICAL LOG had hoped that he might emerge as a much more intelligent and far seeing leader of the SSCS.
It is past time for both the Governments of Australia and New Zealand to detach units of the RAN and RNZN to detain the SSCS Pirate Group vessels. Why? Well to quote the bombastic 'Wats-his-name' in reference to the MT Sun Laurel :
"The Bob Barker and Steve Irwin will stay with the supply ship and will aggressively interfere with any attempts at refuelling and resupply"
This disgraceful statement is a declaration of violent action against innocent vessels executing fuel transfer on the high seas in international waters. In addition by the use of the word "aggressively" they are risking an environmental disaster - this from declared conservationists. Does he seriously believe that to save the whales it is right and proper to spill heavy fuel oil on the high seas in the region where the whales live!!
It is clear to NAUTICAL LOG and perhaps to others that 'Wats-his-name' is a very sick person who has lost all sense of proportion and is not fit to command. Under maritime law his next senior officer may relief him at sea. Any order that 'Wats-his-name' gives under these circumstances is invalid may and indeed should not be followed. The Pilot Chris Aultman, a former USMC with combat experience, would know about this best of all the SSCS officers we suggest you seek his advice. If orders from Watson are followed those crewmembers are as guilty as he personally is for giving such orders. They may and should be tried in a Maritime Court of Law. Perhaps there are those of you who would agree that this situation is now completely out of hand and has gone way beyond the anti-whaling stance. Watson is a very dangerous person whose ego has become so large as to be out of control and you SSCS senior officers have some very serious decisions to make in the very near future.
NAUTICAL LOG is absolutely appalled at this new development, deeply concerned and as a result is speaking out here so strongly in hopes of preventing a maritime disaster and possibly loss of human lives. As an International Master Mariner NAUTICAL LOG is formally requesting protection, by immediate action of the RAN and RNZN, on behalf of the inexperienced seafarers aboard these vessels under the control of this cult leader. We consider the situation that serious, safe sailing to all of you and
Good Watch.
By SSCS PG own report the motor tanker (MT) is north of the 60 degree latitude line and they should immediately stand well clear of the vessel by at least two (2) nautical miles and suggest five (5) nautical miles. If they want to follow this tanker on innocent passage then do it from astern and the MS Gojira is in complete violation of the International Rules of the Road. Rule 2 (a) to start with, Rule 7 (a), Rule 8 & Rule 16 would also apply. The MT Sun Laurel has adequate grounds for taking legal action under International Maritime Law. Someone as experienced as Lockhart MacLean knows very well that impeding the rightful passage by steaming close ahead of any vessel, particularly a loaded tanker, is extremely hazardous.
It is clear that MacLean a lifelong conservationist is now a full cult member of the SSCS Pirate Group and under the thumb of 'Wats-his-name'. This is most disappointing as NAUTICAL LOG had hoped that he might emerge as a much more intelligent and far seeing leader of the SSCS.
It is past time for both the Governments of Australia and New Zealand to detach units of the RAN and RNZN to detain the SSCS Pirate Group vessels. Why? Well to quote the bombastic 'Wats-his-name' in reference to the MT Sun Laurel :
"The Bob Barker and Steve Irwin will stay with the supply ship and will aggressively interfere with any attempts at refuelling and resupply"
This disgraceful statement is a declaration of violent action against innocent vessels executing fuel transfer on the high seas in international waters. In addition by the use of the word "aggressively" they are risking an environmental disaster - this from declared conservationists. Does he seriously believe that to save the whales it is right and proper to spill heavy fuel oil on the high seas in the region where the whales live!!
It is clear to NAUTICAL LOG and perhaps to others that 'Wats-his-name' is a very sick person who has lost all sense of proportion and is not fit to command. Under maritime law his next senior officer may relief him at sea. Any order that 'Wats-his-name' gives under these circumstances is invalid may and indeed should not be followed. The Pilot Chris Aultman, a former USMC with combat experience, would know about this best of all the SSCS officers we suggest you seek his advice. If orders from Watson are followed those crewmembers are as guilty as he personally is for giving such orders. They may and should be tried in a Maritime Court of Law. Perhaps there are those of you who would agree that this situation is now completely out of hand and has gone way beyond the anti-whaling stance. Watson is a very dangerous person whose ego has become so large as to be out of control and you SSCS senior officers have some very serious decisions to make in the very near future.
NAUTICAL LOG is absolutely appalled at this new development, deeply concerned and as a result is speaking out here so strongly in hopes of preventing a maritime disaster and possibly loss of human lives. As an International Master Mariner NAUTICAL LOG is formally requesting protection, by immediate action of the RAN and RNZN, on behalf of the inexperienced seafarers aboard these vessels under the control of this cult leader. We consider the situation that serious, safe sailing to all of you and
Good Watch.
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