Melbourne Past Events

2006 July 27

The Sea Shepherd vessel Farley Mowat visits Melbourne in July 2006

Here are some accounts and photos of this event.

After an eight day trip, past the Great Australian Bight and into the Bass Strait, the Farley Mowat arrived in the city that welcomed it with open arms last year - Melbourne. Much has happened since it was here last. The construction site across the quay is almost unrecognizable. New sculptures scatter the pier. But one thing remains the same ­ the amicability of Melbournians. Passers-by rushed to assist in tying up the Farley Mowat alongside the pier. The media waited eagerly, showing up an hour early to catch a glimpse of the Whale Sanctuary Enforcement Vessel entering Victoria Harbor.

Much is different, much is the same. But one thing is for certain; as the Farley Mowat rests in its mooring lines something seems different about it. The black paint seems bolder and prouder. No longer a stranger, it returns to Melbourne a conquering hero.

Over the next four-and-a-half months, preparations will be made for the most dangerous, most expensive, most important Sea Shepherd campaign to ever be undertaken - permanantly shutting down the illegal Japanese whaling fleet. There is no better place for the launch of this operation than Melbourne, where generosity has no limit.

While in Melbourne, the crew of the Farley Mowat will be giving tours of the flagship of the Whale’s Navy between 9 and 6 daily, engaging in an active public education campaign to educate the public about the plight of the world’s
oceans.