In the South Ocean, two anti-whaling activists have been captured and detained aboard a Japanese whaling vessel. The activists are members of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. They were held after boarding the Japanese ship to deliver a letter protesting Japan’s whaling practices. Australia’s Federal Court has ordered Japan to stop hunting and killing whales anywhere around its coastline or off Australian Antarctic territory. Sea Shepherd director Jonny Vafic said the activists are being held in virtual prison-like conditions.

Jonny Vafic: “They have basically, have been tied to the rails for several hours in the freezing cold, and they were taken down and locked into a room.”

Japanese whaling authorities say the activists had tried to vandalize the ship. The Australian government is calling on Japan to secure the pair’s release.