By J. Brock (SARTMA)

SOUTHERN SUPPORTER and VIARSA reached Cape Town at approximately 0400 Stanley time PM on 05 September 2003. This is the first land that the crew of the SOUTHERN SUPPORTER have walked upon since leaving Fremantle on 25 July. There was a press conference at the dock, where members of the SOUTHERN SUPPORTER’S crew told of their experiences while in pursuit of VIARSA.

According to Australian Customs, statements were made by Mr. Ian Wilcock, the Australian High Commissioner to South Africa and Mr. Steve Duffy, the Australian Customs contingent leader. Individual members of the SOUTHERN SUPPORTER’S crew also spoke with reporters and described what it was like to be thrown around in 10Metre waves in dangerously icy seas.

At the moment, both ships are bunkering for the trip back to Fremantle, where a thorough investigation will take place before anyone comes to justice.

Australian Customs Officials say that approximately 80 tonnes of Patagonian Toothfish were found aboard VIARSA, with an expected black market value of £607,000.00.

If anything, this chase has inspired the Islands along the South Atlantic ridge to put a higher priority on catching poachers. Around St. Helena, Grouper, Tuna and Swordfish are regularly taken. Last week, according to the St. Helena Herald, the Government of St. Helena signed a joint venture agreement with Mr. Roger Morice, from the fishing ship, PORTZIC to do fisheries surveillance as well as fishing. In St. Helena poachers face an automatic £1Million fine as well as confiscation of the ship and/or catch.