By J. Brock (SARTMA)

M/V Dorada Gives chase to Viarsa

Photo (c) Australian Customs

Fisheries protection officers from SOUTHERN SUPPORTER, supported by South African enforcement officers, boarded VIARSA1 today at 1550 and arrested the alleged Toothfish Poaching ship. After numerous diplomatic efforts, it was decided that the ship should be escorted to Cape Town, South Africa, for a thorough investigation and possible resulting legal action. This action put to an end the 21 day epic chase that covered over 4,000 nautical miles in the world’s most treacherous seas. The chase ended 2000 nautical miles south-west of Cape Town in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Information on the Australian Customs website later indicated that the Southern Supporter and Viarsa will steam towards Australia and probably replenish supplies and change crews enroute.

Much of the operation was not reported due to operational constraints and the determined effort to catch VIARSA1 and bring the vessel'’ crew to account for alleged illegal fishing in waters around Heard Island, a dependency of Australia.

The Falklands helped with the ice-strengthened DORADA, which left King Edward Point in South Georgia on Thursday, 21 August 2003 at 1300 Stanley time, participated in the chase, along with the sea-going salvage ship, JOHN ROSS, the Australian Customs and Fisheries Protection Vessel, SOUTHERN SUPPORTER, and the South African Antarctic Supply ship, AGUHLAS. The DORADA and JOHN ROSS are acting as support vessels, with the DORADA due to leave the operation and head back to the Falklands.

On several occasions the weather and sea conditions prevented fisheries officers from boarding and arresting the ship. However, VIARSA1 refused to communicate with the patrol vessel as well as their own flag country and headed towards South America.

Australian Customs Officers boarding Viarsa1
[Photo (c) Australian Customs]

No doubt there will be a lot more about the investigation into the allegations. It is widely believed that Australian Fisheries Officials were relentless in the chase due to the importance they put on conservation of valuable stocks of Patagonian Toothfish, which could be commercially extinct by 2007 if nothing is done to protect them.

SARTMA would like to thank Australian Customs for the provision of information and photos.