Ep 3. International Incidents R Us

In the third episode of Whale Wars season 1, entitled "International Incidents R Us," the Sea Shepherds continue their campaign to stop Japanese whaling in the Antarctic. The crew of the Steve Irwin receives a tip that a Japanese whaling fleet is operating in a nearby area, and they set out to intercept them.

As they approach, the Sea Shepherds notice that the Japanese ship, the Nisshin Maru, is not alone. It is being accompanied by a Korean tanker, the Oriental Bluebird, which is believed to be carrying fuel for the whaling operation. This new development presents a challenge for the Sea Shepherds, as they are unsure how to engage with the Korean vessel without violating international law.

Despite this uncertainty, the Sea Shepherds are determined to disrupt the whaling operation and save as many whales as possible. They launch their small boats and approach the Nisshin Maru, aiming to throw stink bombs on board and create a noxious cloud that will drive the whales away. But as they approach the Japanese vessel, they are met with resistance in the form of high-pressure water hoses aimed at their boats.

The Sea Shepherds press on, undeterred by the powerful blasts of water. They manage to throw several stink bombs onto the Nisshin Maru, creating a cloud of foul-smelling smoke that drifts across the ship. Meanwhile, another team of Sea Shepherds boards the Oriental Bluebird in an attempt to halt the delivery of fuel to the whaling operation.

As they board the tanker, the Sea Shepherds are again met with resistance, this time from the crew members of the Korean vessel. The two sides clash in a chaotic and tense confrontation, with the Sea Shepherds refusing to back down despite being outnumbered and outmatched. Eventually, the crew of the Oriental Bluebird yields and allows the Sea Shepherds to search the ship for evidence of illegal activity.

Throughout the episode, tensions between the Sea Shepherds and the Japanese whaling fleet are high. The Sea Shepherds are aware that they are operating in a legal gray area, and they must strategize carefully to avoid being accused of violating international laws. At the same time, they are determined to stop the whaling operation and protect the lives of the whales in the Antarctic waters.

Overall, "International Incidents R Us" is a tense and action-packed episode that shows the Sea Shepherds pushing the limits and taking risks in their quest to stop Japanese whaling. It highlights the challenges they face in navigating complex international laws and dealing with increasingly aggressive and confrontational whaling fleets. Despite the obstacles they encounter, the Sea Shepherds remain committed to their mission, and their bravery and determination are inspiring to watch.