By Captain Locky MacLean

Captain Luis Manuel Pinho watches as the Brigitte Bardot is lifted by cranes. Photo: Simon AgerOn April 16th, 2012, the Sea Shepherd scout vessel Brigitte Bardot was relaunched in Fremantle after 3 months of repairs needed from damage suffered by a rogue wave in the Southern Ocean. Ship’s manager Simon Ager was euphoric, stating “the last three and a half months of repairs by professionals and passionate volunteers alike have brought us to today, the Brigitte Bardot lowered graciously back into the water, fully repaired and stronger than she ever was, and ready to continue on the fight, both of us perhaps looking a little more worse for wear during this episode but with a renewed resolve.”

Critical ship’s systems were still being recommissioned during launch, Brigitte Bardot Captain Luis Manuel Pinho explained: “We had to manually handle the ship from the crane slings to a dock, because some systems were still not operational and we could not test them out of the water, so this was the first challenge we had to face.” Sea Shepherd Australia Director Jeff Hansen, who lives in Fremantle, and was present during the launch, commented “many Australians' hearts sank when they saw the Bardot coming back to port so soon during operation Divine Wind, as it plays such a pivotal role as the pursuit vessel in finding the factory whaling ship. Australians are some of the most passionate defenders of whales in the world and it has been fantastic to see the local businesses and volunteers come together to rally for the great whales.”

The Brigitte Bardot is lowered into the water by cranes to commence post-repair sea trials.
Photo: Simon AgerCaptain Pinho, who has take command of the vessel for the transit, described the journey ahead  “the run between Fremantle and Melbourne amounts to around 1750 nautical miles, a distance we can cover in between 5 and 7 days, depending on weather conditions. Brigitte Bardot has to be treated more like a small boat than a ship. Her speed and course have to be adjusted to the conditions. It is a difficult passage to time perfectly, as we have to avoid meeting rough conditions when rounding Cape Leeuwin and even more when arriving in Bass Strait- that can be tricky. That said, this ship is an incredible exercise in naval architecture, and still after 16 years there is almost nothing to compare her to on the water in terms of efficiency, and sailing Brigitte Bardot on the ocean is a great experience,” stated Captain Pinho, a Naval Architect in his own right.

“On arrival in Melbourne, we will dock near the Steve Irwin and continue to improve the Bardot and make her ready for upcoming campaigns,” stated ship’s manager Simon Ager, who has crewed onboard the Bardot since the day the ship was added to the Sea Shepherd fleet.

“Simon is undoubtedly one of our most dedicated and hard working crew members and I know after his efforts to repair the ship, he can’t wait to see Bardot in action again,” said Captain Locky MacLean who has supervised the refit since the vessel returned damaged from the Southern Ocean.

Sea Shepherd Australia Director, Jeff Hansen will miss having the Bardot in his hometown, but stressed that the ship and its crew had important work to do. Brigitte Bardot is scheduled to arrive in Williamstown, VIC on the last weekend of April, and will be open for tours on weekends at Seaworks Foundation docks, next to the Steve Irwin.

The Brigitte Bardot is hoisted by cranes from its repair site to the water. Photo: Simon Ager

The Brigitte Bardot is back in the water and ready for sea trials. Photo: Simon Ager