Radical conservationists who have been chasing Japanese whalers in the Antarctic Ocean said Wednesday they were heading to Australia to refuel their ship, a day after Japan argued they were pirates who should be barred from refueling.
Renegade activist Paul Watson, captain of the Sea Shepherd's ship, said he doubted Australia would block his boat - the Steve Irwin - when it lands in Hobart, Tasmania, sometime next week.
Japan said Tuesday it plans to ask Australia to bar the ship from its ports, though Australian officials said they have received no formal request.
Protesters aboard the ship, named after the late Australian conservationist and TV personality Steve Irwin, have chased Japan's whaling fleet for 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) and last month lobbed bottles of rancid butter at the whalers.
They are currently about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) southeast of Hobart.
"I can't see Australia banning a ship called the 'Steve Irwin,'" Watson said.
"Japan is being extremely arrogant in making such a demand."
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