“Today, the crew of the Nisshin Maru [the mother ship for the Japanese whaling fleet in Antarctica] were able to search the area of the vessel that caught fire. It is with great sadness they have reported finding the body of sailor Kazutaka Makita, who succumbed to the effects of the fire.
“He was located at 08:20 am (local time) on the second deck close to where the fire began and quickly spread throughout that area.
“Mr Makita, 27, was from Kagoshima Prefecture, south of Kyushu Island. He has played an important role aboard Nisshin Maru.
“This is deeply saddening. The Institute of Cetacean Research and Kyodo Senpaku express their heartfelt sympathy to Mr Makita’s family,” Dr Hatanaka and Mr. Yamamura said.
My condolences to the crew of the Nisshin Maru and the family of Kazutaka Makita.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD is a critical thinker with expertise in the scientific method.
Jen – The death of Kazutaka Makita is obviously a tragedy for his family, friends and colleagues.
But why specifically are you editorialising this issue.
Workplace accidents occur occasionally and unluckily in many farming and fisheries operations world-wide, as well as industrial settings. In general we just let them pass. In this case is there a wider public interest?
We have followed the Nisshin Maru for two seasons at this blog. I’ve posted pictures of the ship. There has been comment that sooner or later someone will be hurt — remember the ABC Counterpoint interview with Glenn Inwood? But we thought it would be a Greenpeace protester not a Japanese sailor.
But of course the implication here, perhaps unsaid, that this is a consequence of the protest actions.
At this stage we don’t know why the accident occurred – maybe it was just faulty wiring – but we really don’t know. It’s been said the ship had caught fire before but was properly refitted.
No implication intended on my part.
A bit misleading. When I saw the post I linked it to actions of protester. Now you say no implication.
My auntie died 2 weeks ago in Tamworth. Sad too.
Re: implications, is there some supicion of a sabotage – suicide (kamikaze)?
Where are the bushlawyer rants over negligence and risk of damage from these sketchy events? Didn\’t the NM ship have a fire before? There\’s a risk of oil spill and chemical pollution in precious ecological areas from unwarranted and unpopular whaling activities. Do we need a valdez type situation before banning unnecessary whaling traffic in vulnerable areas that are remote from assistance and prone to changeable weather conditions?
They better know what they\’re doing, letting the ship drift after the water from fire fighting is pumped out. If GP have a proper tug capable of towing the NM and the Japanese refuse in favour of doing nothing or using a whaling ship less suitable for towing then they\’re being further negligent and endangering the penguin colony. 100km isn\’t far. It doesn\’t seem that they\’re adequately prepared or have a responsible risk management plan.
I’m with the above on this. I find that enough coverage has been given to the poor man already, but you seem to want to make it into something else Jennifer. I wonder if a Greenpeace or Sea Shepherd crew had been killed in the same circumstances if you’d have put finger to keyboard in such a symathetic way. I doubt that very much.
You guys need your eyes tested, I cant see any linkage between the protesters and the death of the sailor, implied or otherwise.
As Jennifer quoted “..who succumbed to the effects of the fire.”
No one anywhere has linked the fire with the protest.
Thanks Rog.
While checking their eyes, I also think it would be good if they looked to see if they still have a heart.
We are one world.
What people don’t notice is that Sea Shepherd brags about about sinking ten ships. See
http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_030616_1.html
And this sort of thing has been going on for a while, see
http://www.icrwhale.org/eng/history.pdf
Going down in a ship in Antarctic waters means a quick death, and Watson’s Navy boasts a “can opener” designed to sink ships. If there’s any justification to firing on Watson’s ships, it when these ships are spotted there.
I don’t see anywhere that Jennifer implied, insinuated or inveigled the notion that Sea Shepherd caused a death aboard the Nisshin Maru.
But with Sea Shepherd sending ten ships down, one has to wonder if a fatality on their side would render more justice.
The trouble is, Sea Shepherd and the greenies would take that dead freak and make him a martyr for a loonie cause. And life would get worse for us.
Kill an honest man doing his job, like on the Nisshin Maru, and he’s just a maritime loss. Or, as Sea Shepherd says, just “collateral damage.”
These freaks don’t care about human life and to be fair, it’s time to sink ten of their ships in exchange.
So then Jen – I look forward to an editorial for every farming, forestry and fisheries workplace accident in the region from here on.
Nice attempt at a diversion Schiller.
Luke you took the words from my mouth. There have been fatalities from the bushfires this summer and farmers committing suicide every week coz of the drought. No piece devoted to each of them and their familys is there? I wonder what the agenda is here.
There was linking of the greenies to the death on another thread, or did no one bother to see?Shillers naming of greenies that die as dead freaks is showing where the heart lies Jen. Shiller is the heartless freak, whereas others have expressed sadness.
>These freaks don’t care about human life and to be fair, it’s time to sink ten of their ships in exchange.
So using your line of thinking Schiller, does that make it OK to kill the ‘freaks’ as well? I am wondering where you draw the line.
Schiller and friends for all that you want to accuse them of endangering lives and property you need to admit that Sea Shepherd’s bark was much worse than their bite. The can opener only make a little scratch when they did use it which they apparently knew in advance. And their custard pie throwing was theatrics.
The Japanese mishap (where are the bushlawyer cries of negligence?) has been sufficient for them to end their own party by themselves. Let’s hope they get under steam or get a tow quickly before the loss is compounded. SS put pride aside to ask for assistance. GP, a legally registered, law abiding vessel and also a tug, has offered to throw them a line.
On risks and deaths: greenies bad, whalers good, farmers irrelevant. But maybe it was a planted sabotaging greenie whaler that died. I’d like to see a post on farmers’ depression and suicide. What’s the situation?
Travis, Pinks,
You still don’t get it. Endangering a ship in Arctic waters is tantamount to attempted murder. Under such circumstances the captain of the endangered vessel has a moral obligation to defend the vessel on behalf of his crew.
This is especially the case where the offending vessel is with Sea Shepherd–which boasts a history of sinking ships and considers the loss of human lives to be mere “collateral damage.”
If a ship defending itself against Sea Shepherd sent an SS crew under, the loss would be of people who have a callous disregard for human life.
The odd thing is that these dead freaks would then be held up as martyrs, whereas the death of an honest man just doing his job on a spotting ship is merely a regrettable loss.
>Arctic waters
Do you know what you are talking about Schiller?
So I gather your answer is Yes, it is OK to kill these ‘freaks’?
>The odd thing is that these dead freaks would then be held up as martyrs, whereas the death of an honest man just doing his job on a spotting ship is merely a regrettable loss.
No evidence for this, your remark is callous in itself, and your ranting is beginning to sound like you are confused whether you are talking about the Middle East or the Southern Ocean.
I should add Schiller, the dead man was not on the spotting ship but the processing one. Again I ask, do you now what you are talking about?
Thurkettle doesn’t know what he’s talking about which is why he doesn’t know the difference between the spotting ship and the Nisshin Maru, its also why he used the emotive phrase that the crew member was ‘killed’ rather than the correct description that the unfortunate Mr Makita died in a tragic accident and so Thurkettle has had the unsavoury gall to turn that accident into an excuse for another rant about Sea Shepherd who were nowhere near the Nisshin Maru…
‘There has been comment that sooner or later someone will be hurt — remember the ABC Counterpoint interview with Glenn Inwood? But we thought it would be a Greenpeace protester not a Japanese sailor.’ – Jennifer
Naughty…..there is no parallel between this unfortunate accident and the shill Glenn Inwood’s comments unless you make it Jen…… which was Luke’s precise point…
There is too much speculation here. The only valid conclusions as to the circumstances behind the death of Mr Kazutaka Makita are those formed by a properly conducted coronial inquiry.
But having said that, it is entirely appropriate for anyone to point out that unusual or excessive work pressures placed on the crew, in the face of harassment by a fleet of unregistered vessels with a clearly documented history of sinking ships, is a possible cause that needs further investigation.
Note well, whale wallies, that this is quite distinct from claiming that it was the cause, or a prime contributor, prior to examining the evidence.
But it should also be noted that the forthright claims that this was a purely accidental death, as made by many contributors here, are equally inappropriate. And the sleazy innuendo that has tried to imply that Jennifers post was an attempt at prejudging the inquiry and apportioning blame to the Sea Shepherd, is just as inappropriate.
But Schiller has quite rightly pointed out that there is only one party in the southern ocean that has engaged in deliberate acts that could be reasonable foreseen to endanger human life. And it is not the Japanese.
One thing that I have observed is that the Captain of one of the ships, I don’t recall his name when I heard him on radio, has a very clear case of what is termed “Nimbin Lispe”. The blatantly anti-whaling biased reporter asked, from the captains tone if he was fatigued. But those of us who have had a youth bordering on misspent, on the beaches and valleys of northern NSW, would recognise the unmistakable drawl and syntax of an habitual dope smoker.
Not every habitual user exhibits these traits but individuals who exhibit them are invariably habitual users. And this, of course, goes to the question of whether this person is capable of acting reasonably.
The similarities in brain activity, or rather brain inactivity, as revealed in MRI scans of habitual users and schizophrenics, is very well documented. As is the link with psychotic behaviour.
And one of the most common manifestations of both behavioural groups is the heightened capacity to demonise a target, to exclude relevant information that would shape reasonable behaviour, and to incorporate assumptions, speculation and extrapolations as if they were hard proven fact.
I wonder if the crews of these ships would care to take a blood test when they get back to port?
I can’t wait for people to read these comments in 20 years time and form their own conclusions about the various contributors to this blog!!!
Lamna and Travis,
Please accept my apologies. I should have said “Antarctic” instead of “Arctic.” You will of course point out that the waters near the southernmost continent are quite balmy and nice to swim in after your ship is holed by a group which has sunk ten others already.
And please accept my apologies for not seeing the moral difference between a man on a spotting ship and a man on a processing ship. You will of course explain to me why this makes his death more justifiable on one ship vs. the other.
After you explain that, you will explain why humans who don’t care about human life are routinely imprisoned and often executed, and explain why Sea Shepherd should be exempt from the fundamentals of law and morality.
Actually Ian I think you will find they are all on Ice!
Jennifer has here given due respect to a joint statement by ICR and Kyodo Senpaku.
Her condolences for the family of Kazutaka Makita, and for his workmates, are just that; not an Editorial.
The fire, it’s containment and subsequent death of Kazutaka Makita, will be the subject of a Coronial investigation and Report, as would any industrial accident
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/bbing/stories/s11594.htm
Ian – “sleazy innuendo” – well surely you would have no experience of such.
I can see you’re very familiar with the use of illegal substances. I never knew all those interesting physiological and behavioural issues. How did you obtain your experience?
And I find it strange that someone who would advocate lighting of forest fires which surely is an easy way to endanger many lives, who would suggest engaging in a bit of biffo with departmental officers possibly resulting in all manner of permanent injury is now very interested in non-violent behaviour and the rule of law.
Why would the crew need a blood test as you were not with them on the boat.
All just distraction, Luke.
An important consideration in any line of coronial inquiry will be the extent to which the pressure exerted on the whaling fleet, both before and after the contact with Sea Shepherd, produced a change in normal work patterns and in normal maintenance schedules.
The whale wallies gave a clear indication of an intent to disrupt the operations of the Japanese and if this has led to an increased work load to get as much of the work done before contact was made, then there would be a prima facie case of contributory negligence.
I look forward to the inquiry with interest.
So you don’t think the Japs might sniff a bit of positive PR for themselves and make up that sea shepherd were to blame when really they werent? I wouldn’t trust them.
So you’re speculating now Ian in the face of some alleged “undefined psychological threat”, that their whaling fleet management implemented/condoned or agreed to some reduction in safety measures. Presumably then they would also hypothetically do the same hypothesised “hurry up” if bad weather was closing in. You would like to run that argument in a court? Wow !
His history of substance abuse as a youth helps us to understand his immature explosions, instability and inability to master his emotions. A common side effect when substance abuse inhibits development of the maturity centres of the brain. Motty the beachside dropkick, of Asian hub city dalliances and urban people jammer background now postures as a gentleman farmer in the downshifting epicentre of Aust yet somehow considers himself kindred spirit and spokesperson for the real farmers.
Mott you’re always 1st in with the bush lawyer soap box rants on the weakest of possible legal connections but now you’re coming over all moderate and trying to downplay possible negligence and human and environmental harm from unnecessary whaling in Australian waters. Come on man, take the case on.
Who here really gives a hoot about the dead guy? He’s just the latest pawn in the game. Oh boo hoo poor whaler, oh boo hoo hoo poor victim of Indonesian misjustice (what are their names again? Oh it doesn’t matter) all due to evil NGOs – let’s hang our favourite political arguments off their misfortune. Oh Oh golly golly let’s discuss DDT again and ignore half the facts, and also ignore sneaky Christian campaigns to reduce condom use where HIV is rife or 1st world monetary greed oops I mean public policies and discriminatory trade barriers which repress 3rd world trade and force reductions in 3rd world development spending whilst posturing about aid expenditure. Ignore all that as it doesn’t help us NGO bash. What rights have citizens to self organise?
Who even cares about the whales? THe point the point the point is that NGOs are evil and threaten our way of living. Even if SS has nothing to do with the explosion you can be sure that they and probably GP too are still to blame, that’s the message to take home. NGO’s evil Hell I wonder how many whale strikes those extra SS and GP ships might have caused.
My views on the link between green politics and substance abuse are obviously a bit too close to home for poor old Mavis Frizzletit aka Pinxie.
In a single post she manages to orbit the planet Gonzon, swing through open defamation, DDT, condoms and NGO’s. And it is all going into the national archives, I love it.
The only thing missing is the urine soaked pants and the shadow boxing.
That’s right Ian, all your comments are going into the national archive!
Is it Gonzon or Gonzo?
Winston Smith — the word “jap” is generally considered by Japanese people to be a racial slur. Probably even more so when you follow it up with “I wouldn’t trust them”.
Perhaps if Jen had an ulterior motive in mentioning this story it was simply to remind people that Japanese whalers are humans too.
John Humphreys – the term Jap has been used by quite a few on this blog. I dont think anyone has meant it in a degrading way. Much worse has been said thats for sure. People dont have to immerse themselves in Asian culture to like them. I stick to not trusting the whalers and that there are others that deserve to be mentioned here like the farmers. Get over it.
Theres plenty more Japs where that one came from. Not so many whales.
Frizzelwilly,
There are more whales than there are Icelanders. Are you saying you’d care more about the dead human if he was from Iceland?
But are there more whales in Iceland than Icelanders? Or are you saying Icelanders are a different species to the rest of us Homo sapiens?
Your first question is just plain stupid (as you should realise at least in hindsight) and if you had a little more up top you’d have directed your second question at Frizzlewilly, as he’s the one who started making references to “Japs”, as if they were a distinct species like “whales”.
Honestly, when somebody says something stupid like Frizzlewilly, you’d give your image a boost if you ripped into him instead of trying to pick a fight with me over it. I agree with you totally – so why are you throwing a cyberpunch in my direction? But, do with your already tarnished image what you like, Travis. I suppose it couldn’t get much worse.
Tsk, tsk David. No cyberpunch intended. Indeed I ignored Frizzelwilly’s comment, but I was surprised by the silly response you gave. My first and second question were ‘stupid’ in response to stupidity.
As for boosting my image, my ego does not require such feeding. Tarnished image? Pah, there must be no mirrors in your flat and a futon you got out on the wrong side of.
Travis is the kind of person who, in 2007, refers to gays as “homies”. Makes you just want to go out and rent some pimples, don’t it?
Ian, you have NO idea! Why don’t you google what a ‘homie’ is? You may be surprised! Thanks so much for a much needed laugh!
Where’s Iceland? Is it important?
Luke, not only do the Vikings kill whales….they export horse meat and eat ram’s testicles , sour whale blubber and rotten shark! Welcome !
Jen:
Dont the IPA actively lobby for the removal of workplace safety laws?
Now Travis, you don’t seriously expect anyone to be up to speed on the slang of urban street scum, do you? Does that make you some sort of cognoscenti, does it?
Well if it does Ian, it is better than being like some I have encountered here. You sure could do with learning some new words, we’re pretty tired of the old ones, and fancy it being 2007 and all! Tell me, what did happen in your life to make you so bitter and prejudice?
Winston: “Get over it”
I didn’t take offense Winston. I’m not Japanese. I’m surprised that you think racial slurs are appropriate as long as other people are doing it.
I was just letting you know so that you might be able to avoid it in the future. Especially if you ever find yourself talking to a Japanese person.
Mr Humphreys much thanks for you “advice” but I dont need it. I have lived and worked in Japan and I dont appreciate your own self righteous attitude. I dont think I need you as my Big Brother somehow.
Goodness me, Travis, “bitter and prejudice(sic)” you wouldn’t be trying to defame me again, would you?
Why would I do that to you Ian when you do a pretty good job yourself?
This entire argument seems to be over the hierarchy of being, i.e., which beings are more important than others, and therefore, whose deaths are most acceptable. Or, in the words of Sea Shepherd, who can be counted as mere “collateral damage.”
So some argue for a hierarchy like whales>Sea Shepherd>greenies>regular people>Japs, Icers, etc., in declining order of expendability.
Others appear to favor something like people generally>criminals like Sea Shepherd>greenies>whales, in declining order of expendability.
I would argue that Sea Shepherd and greenies are more expendable than whales. For instance, whales cause far fewer problems and definitely cause far fewer deaths than greenies. They also damage far fewer ships than Sea Shepherd.
“They also damage far fewer ships than Sea Shepherd.”
If you are talking ships Schiller, then that would be correct, of you are talking sea-faring vessels, you are wrong. For the sake of your lame argument, I assume you are talking ships.
Killing whales and dolphins is a sick, barbaric activity carried out in a cavalier manner for
strictly commercial gain. There’s absolutely no viable research involved. These intelligent mammals deserve to roam the seas unmolested;
only the indigenous natives in the arctic who
take only a limited number of bowhead whales needed for food can be judged as a legitimate reason for these mammals to be killed. The ICR is a sham (spelled “bullshit”) and why waste money on pursuing such “exotic” food that most Japanese don’t care to eat anyway–after all the government should instead use their money to compensate the hepatitus C victims given tainted blood, untested by the health ministry, and the huge number of Minamata mercury pollution victims, many still waiting for compensation from the government–that is those who aren’t among the 2000 victims that have already died as a result of Chisso Chemical Co. dumping mercury compounds into Minamata Bay decades ago.
RIP Kazutaka