S.Atlantic : Viarsa1 Arrives in Fremantle to Face the Music
Submitted by SARTMA.com (Juanita Brock) 04.10.2003 (Article Archived on 18.10.2003)
Viarsa1, the Uruguayan fishing ship that was chased for 21 days across the Southern Ocean by patrol vessels from three nations, has finally arrived in Fremantle, Australia, where the ship and crew face a complete investigation into alleged poaching in Australian waters around Heard Island.
Photo (c) Australian Customs
VIARSA1 ARRIVES IN FREMANTLE TO FACE THE MUSIC
By J. Brock (SARTMA)
Photo (C) Australian Customs - Southern Supporter tiedm up with Viarsa1
Viarsa1, the Uruguayan fishing ship that was chased for 21 days across the Southern Ocean by patrol vessels from three nations, has finally arrived in Fremantle, Australia, where the ship and crew face a complete investigation into alleged poaching in Australian waters around Heard Island. This marks the formal seizure of the Uruguayan – flagged vessel and its catch by the Australian Government. M/S Southern Supporter accompanied the alleged poaching ship into port.
According to Australian Customs, their Minister, Chris Ellison, and Fisheries Minister, Senator Ian Macdonald have welcomed home Fisheries, Customs and Naval personnel who took part in the epic chase to apprehend Viarsa1. It has been nearly eight weeks since the Viarsa1 was sited while allegedly poaching in Australian waters in the Southern Ocean.
Though it took 21 days to reach point of apprehension from Heard Island, it took 35 days to bring Viarsa back to Fremantle to face charges. Thus the longest maritime chase in Australia’s history has formally ended.
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