Sea Shepherd Receives Commendation from New Zealand

The Steve Irwin cuts through the frigid Ross Sea waters searching for the Berserk.
Photo: Barbara VeigaThe New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) released the official investigation into the loss of the Norwegian yacht the Berserk. The report concludes with an official commendation to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society for the search and rescue efforts conducted by the crew of the Steve Irwin between February 22-24, 2011, in the McMurdo Sound area of the Ross Sea.

Further to this, Sea Shepherd would like to commend helicopter pilot Chris Aultman for his exhaustive and intensive 14-hour search of the McMurdo Sound area. The entire crew of the Steve Irwin is also to be commended for participating in this dangerous mission that gave cause for the ship to head straight into the teeth of the largest storm recorded in the McMurdo Sound over the last three decades.

Sea Shepherd’s rescue effort was documented by the onboard film crew, and will be televised on season four of Animal Planet’s television series Whale Wars.

Excerpt from the official report:

Two private operators (Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and New Zealand Nature Heritage Cruises) gave willingly of their vessels, Steve Irwin and Professor Khromov, and other resources to assist with significant search efforts, and should be commended.

Click here to read the complete report on the Berserk incident in the Safe and Clean Seas publication.