M/Y Brigitte Bardot & M/Y Bob Barker Sail into Sydney, Australia

The Bob Barker docked in Sydney, Australia.
Photo: Simon AgerOn World Ocean's Day June 8, the M/Y Brigitte Bardotand M/Y Bob Barker sailed into Sydney Harbor, receiving a hero's welcome.  The two vessels are triumphant after the hugely successful Operation Divine Wind Campaign in the Southern Ocean, where Sea Shepherd ships prevented the illegal slaughter of 768 whales from the Japanese whaling fleet.

Thousands of visitors have turned out to see the beautiful Brigitte Bardot on her maiden visit to Sydney, and the return of the formidable Bob Barker.  Both vessels were berthed at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay during the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival.  Dramatically situated across from the iconic Sydney Opera House, with the Harbor Bridge as a background, ocean conservation had the center stage on World Ocean's Day weekend.

The Bardot is provisioning and preparing for an upcoming South Pacific shark protection campaign, while the Barker will remain in Sydney at White Bay, Balmain, in preparation for a return to the Southern Ocean in December. Should the Japanese whaling fleet attempt to illegally slaughter over 1000 whales this Antarctic summer in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, Sea Shepherd will be there to stop them.

“We are deeply grateful to Sydney Ports for welcoming our vessels and providing a fire tug for the Bardot's arrival”, said Andrea Gordon, manager of the Sea Shepherd ship, MY Bob Barker.

“A heartfelt thank you goes to the Honourable Marie Ficarra MP, MLC. A Sydney SSCS visit would not have been possible without her involvement,” Gordon said.  “We are so grateful for the support of our local Sydney chapter led by Jools Farrell and the people and businesses of Sydney who continue to provide ever-growing support to Sea Shepherd and the protection of the oceans.”

The Brigitte Bardot passes in front of the Sydney Opera House. Photo: Glenn Lockitch

The Brigitte Bardot docked in Sydney, Australia, during a night tour of the ship. Photo: Glenn Lockitch

The Sea Shepherd ships, MY Bob Barker and MY Brigitte Bardot arrive in Sydney harbor. Photo: Glenn Lockitch