Charges laid against the captain and chief officer of the Farley Mowat

"There's no legal validity in these charges and if they do try to storm the vessel and arrest the officers, I think it will provoke an international incident. In fact it would be taken as an act of war."

Paul Watson should really ask the Spanish if Canadians give two shits about provoking an incident when you are screwing around with economic activity in Canadian waters.

Agreed, Canada set a precedent in 2000 when we boarded the GTS Katie. It was a US owned, Russian Captained freighter flying the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in international waters, to get our military equipment back after the company tried to extort more money by refusing to dock and unload. After Watson's comments comparing the dead sealers to cigarette smoking apes with a clubs, I think there would be a lot of support for Canada to board and hold the Farley until after the hunt is done.

Loader




Agreed, Canada set a precedent in 2000 when we boarded the GTS Katie. It was a US owned, Russian Captained freighter flying the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in international waters, to get our military equipment back after the company tried to extort more money by refusing to dock and unload. After Watson's comments comparing the dead sealers to cigarette smoking apes with a clubs, I think there would be a lot of support for Canada to board and hold the Farley until after the hunt is done.

There is a major difference. The "Farley Mowat" has crossed the line and become an outlaw/pirate ship. The likelyhood for a boarding/impoundment would be admitted by the left-side of the spectrum is that this is an issue which would advance the Tory's political fortunes in Atlantic Canada.

Usually Canada asks the country of registration for permission to board the vessel as a courtesy (this happened with the GTS Katie). Since most of these countries are flags of convenience and really don't give a rat's ass about the ships that carry their flag they usually shrug and say, "Whatever". I seriously doubt the Netherlands would: a) say no; b) care; c) would raise any sort of issue considering their are two members of the crew who are wanted; d) acts were committed, and the vessel remains, in Canadian waters.