The hot pursuit of a Uruguayan trawler caught poaching Patagonian toothfish in Australia’s Antarctic fishing zone broke the record for the longest maritime chase in Australia’s history on on Tuesday.
For 19 days the Viarsa has been chased by Australia’s Southern Supporter fisheries patrol vessel across some of the most inhospitable waters in the world.
The long-line trawler is thought to have a cargo of toothfish aboard valued at up to $1-million and is steaming through the Southern Ocean back towards South America.
The pair have covered 6 800 kilometres together, often through mountainous seas where icebergs and pack ice are a constant peril. It’s the longest chase in Australia’s maritime history.
Last year, a Russian vessel also caught poaching was pursued for 15 days over a distance of 6 100 kilometres.
The Australian government is banking on South African help to stop the Viarsa before it escapes international waters and returns to Montivideo.
South Africa, which together with Australia stopped the Russian boat last year, has dispatched its armed ice-breaker SA Agulhas to force the Viarsa to stop.
The United States has also joined the international effort, pledging not to allow the precious catch to be landed at one of its ports.
The toothfish is a delicacy in the United States and in Japan, where it sells for up to $50 a serving in restaurants.
Last year, the total legal toothfish catch inside the Antarctic Treaty fisheries area was 12 817 tons. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources estimates the illegal take is about the same size.
Last year, the Viarsa’s sister ship, the Arvisa, was caught poaching and eventually stopped by a French warship. The vessel was confiscated and its captain and crew fined. – Sapa-DPA