Activists Rescue Crew From Sinking Ship Suspected of Illegal Fishing

Sea Shepherd activists rescued the crew of a sinking fishing vessel off the coast of West Africa on Monday, April 6. Two ships from marine conservation watchdog, the Bob Barker and Sam Simon, responded to the distress call from the fishing vessel Thunder, which has been accused of being involved in illegal fishing activity.

Interpol issued a purple notice on the fishing vessel, which has operated under several names, in 2013, calling for member countries to share information on its location, ownership and activities. Sea Shepherd’s Bob Barker had been following the Thunder as part of its campaign against illegal fishing of Patagonian toothfish in the Southern Ocean.

Sea Shepherd activists claimed that hatches on the Thunder had been intentionally left open. Credit: YouTube/Sea Shepherd Australia Ltd