I really do not get this. All right, I understand that they do not like whaling. I can understand their point. Their methods, while extreme and incomprehensible to most, make sense to them. Also, it resulted in one of the funniest episodes of South Park.
What I do not understand is the behavior of the authorities. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled them "pirates." Any ship can hunt them down. While I doubt that the amazingly capable US Navy would do anything about it, less of a sinking, it could be valuable to remind people that there is a penalty for piracy.
Actually, by tradition, there is only one penalty for piracy.
Which beings us to the Imperial Japanese Navy, with their impressive guided missile frigates. By treaty, they can and do fly the Rising Sun flag. Part of their duty is to protect Japanese shipping, including whalers, even if the Japanese continue to use the ridiculous argument that the whalers are involved in scientific missions. No Sea Shepherd vessels are equipped to detect a warship. The first warning would be when suddenly a powerful active radar lit them up.
They could not get away. Certainly, they will call for help. Nobody will help pirates.
Some might want to go down with the ship. The rest can watch their ship sink as the nooses are placed around their necks. Fade to black.
Sea Shepherd wants good tv, right?