Daryl Hannah reportedly joins ship bound to disrupt Japanese whalers

Daryl Hannah, pictured at left with John Schneider in the recent TV movie "Shark Swarm," is more concerned about whales these days.

In fact, the actress more famous for "Splash" and "Blade Runner" reportedly is headed or soon will head to Antarctic waters from Brisbane, Australia, aboard a Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel sent to spare whales from Japanese hunters.

A Japanese vessel has already departed for its annual slaughter of hundreds of whales, despite international opposition. In reality, governments do very little to discourage hunts that the Japanese claim are being carried out in the name of science.

Legendary Sea Shepherd Capt. Paul Watson, on the group's website, remarked that Australia's new minister of the environment, Peter Garrett, "should have kept playing music and stayed out of politics. He is no friend to the whales, kangaroos, trees or the environment -- just another hot-air politician."

Hannah, well known as an activist, was quoted in Australian news service AAP as saying, "It is surprising and shocking to me that governments are not doing this work -- that it is up to individuals and non-government organizations to uphold international law and protect endangered species."

More than 40 volunteers and a film crew from Animal Planet, which recently launched the series "Whale Wars," also are on board the Steve Irwin, a vessel named in honor of the late TV star and conservationist.

It's unlikely Hannah will experience any significant confrontations, as she's scheduled to spend only a week on the boat. But she hinted that she may rejoin the campaign at a later date.

-- Pete Thomas

Comments

[sue]

I think she (daryl) is so good by just being there she is bringing much needed publicity to the plight of whales and the effort's of capt paul watson and sea shepherd to save them i used to support Greenpeace but since they seem to have gone AWOL sea shepherd have my whole and continued support susan