Whalers Become The Hunted
Japan plans to kill 935 minke whales and 50 fin whales for what it says is scientific research. Greenpeace says it is commercial whaling in disguise.
The Esperanza is expected to be joined in the Southern Ocean by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Steve Irwin within the next few days.
The success or failure of the crews' mission now rests on finding the Japanese fleet.
The Esperanza crew is putting in a lot of time and energy looking over sea charts to try to predict where the fleet will be. In previous campaigns, it has taken the crews up to three weeks to find the whalers.
Esperanza expedition leader Karli Thomas said finding the fleet could depend on a tip-off, fortunate spotting on the radar, or a stroke of luck.
"The Japanese have been down here for about two weeks, so I assume they have started whaling, which means it is critical to find them as soon as possible.
"There was a mixture of anticipation and nerves among the crew as we entered the Antarctic waters, but they are raring to go."
