New Zealand Government Enters Row Between Japan and Whale Protestors

The New Zealand government intervened in the skirmishes between pro and anti-whalers in the Antarctic last night, warning that lives could be lost and the protesters' cause damaged.

Two people were found after being lost at sea following a collision, and both the Japanese whaling fleet and Sea Shepherd Conservation society boats were seriously damaged.

Chris Carter, the New Zealand conservation minister, said: "Sea Shepherd's protest has gone too far. Any further action risks the loss of human life, and severe damage to the cause of whale conservation."

After a phone call to the minister from his vessel, Captain Paul Watson, the leader of the protesters, said: "Mr Carter has said he will do everything he can to prevent the Japanese fleet killing 50 endangered humpback whales. We will take him at his word and in return we have given him assurances that we will not damage the Japanese whalers this year."

The lull in hostilities came as 24 countries - one third of the membership of the International Whaling Commission - boycotted a meeting called by Japan, which is seeking support to turn it into a pro-hunting organisation in advance of the IWC's annual meeting in Alaska in May.

Britain, the US, Australia and 21other anti-whaling countries stayed away.