From: Dan Spomer <dano@rockisland.com>
To: Makah Whaling Update List <makahwhaling@onenw.org>
Date: Monday, May 10, 1999 3:17 PM
Subject: Makah Whaling ALERT Part II (May 10, 1999)


>
>=====  A message from the 'makahwhaling' discussion list  =====
>
>ATTENTION ALL WCCA MEMBER GROUPS: PLEASE REPOST TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP ASAP
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
>IT IS CONFIRMED that the Makah are presently hunting gray whales off the
>coast of Washington. It is further confirmed that the Makah have struck at
>least one whale, reportedly a female accompanied by her calf.
>
>It was reported earlier today that the Sea Defense Alliance (SEDNA)
>attempted to intervene on behalf of the gray whales. The US Coast Guard,
>acting on a false report filed by members of the Makah tribe, boarded their
>boat at gunpoint. The false report alleged that SEDNA was in possession of
>weapons on their boat. Two members of SEDNA, Josh Harper and Jake Conroy,
>have been arrested by the US Coast Guard and have been charged with
>'reckless endangerment' and 'resisting arrest.' The Coast Guard also
>confiscated SEDNA's inflatable boat.
>
>The remaining SEDNA crew members and their flagship are being illegally
>detained at present by the US Coast Guard. We are asking for a large number
>of phone calls to the Coast Guard to voice your feelings on the matter. You
>may speak with Commander Costner at (360) 645-2236. Demand that they
release
>the SEDNA members and their boat!
>
>The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is reportedly dispatching the
>'Sirenian' to Neah Bay at present.
>
>Lastly, as of 3:00 pm PST, the Makah whaling crew is still on the water.
>More details as they occur...
>
>
>Dan Spomer
>WCCA