Press Release November 2002 - Cape Clear to Cabo Verdes

Press Release November 2002

IWDG Humpback Whale Expedition Passes the Coast of Death

Having left Baltimore in Co. Cork on 23rd October, the Expedition's schooner "Anna M" made her landfall on the Galician Costa do Muerte at dawn on the 28th. She had suffered some severe weather crossing Biscay and sprung a bad leak, but fortunately the weather turned kindly as she approached the coast, where she was greeted by a large and playful school of common dolphins.

It was necessary to put into Portosin to examine the damage and effect temporary repairs. A school of dolphins actually visited the harbour while she was there, (left) and the opportunity to see the beautiful coast of Galicia close up was very welcome. The photos 'off Galicia' (below left) and 'hauling nets off Cape Finisterre' (below) show Galician inshore fishermen at work,

while 'mussel rafts' (below) are an example of the huge mussel industry in the Rias Bajas.

Mussel rafts Bueu

Besides expressing our horror on account of the danger to dolphins and whales, the IWDG Expedition crew would like to express our deep sympathy with the fishermen, fishfarmers and all the people of Galicia on account of the current oil spillage. It is a classic illustration of the inter-relationship between humans and wildlife. We demand much stricter controls on the transport of oil and other hazardous materials.

"Anna M" was able to continue her journey to the south of Portugal, where she will undergo repairs before continuing with the expedition to the Cape Verde islands as planned next February.

Skipper Joe Aston

A fuller account of the journey is available by following the voyage here...

Oil spill disaster threatens marine mammals, turtles - more information from IWDG

E-mail info(at)gannetsway.com - www.gannetsway.com