Thanks to Brad, we have a couple of local reports that the Sea Shepherds organization now has a couple of former USCG Island Class WPBs, the former cutters, USCGC Block Island and USCGC Pea Island, that were seen flying the Sea Shepherd pirate flag in Annapolis. The first report has some good photos. The second has a report of an informal interview at a local tavern.
I was a 110 sailor (wpb-1332) and there is something a little sacrilegious about this… Don’t get me wrong, we need to take care of what we have, but these guys more often than not feel like pirates.
another 110 sailor, (wpb-1315) chiming in. I hope they don’t try their usual bump and grind tactics with these boats. they’re not known for their thick skins. or maybe I do. not a fan of these roving hazards to navigation.
They have used 82s and 95s before this. At least they aren’t painted black yet.
An update on this with the new names. http://gcaptain.com/sea-shepard-farley-mowat-jules-verne/
Looks like they will be based in the Pacific.
We have a report of what at least one of these former WPBs is doing. http://ecowatch.com/2016/03/07/sea-shepherd-vaquita-refuge/
Thanks to David for the link.
After the vessels were purchased I was hired to move them to Key West Florida. I was the Captain of the “New Farley Mowat” for its maiden voyage down the east coast through the Bermuda Triangle and the Florida Straits to Key West. It was an honor to Command such an awesome ship!
How one of them is being used in the gulf of California.
Sea Shepherd is offering free tours of the former USCGC Bainbridge Island in Miami. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/fl-fea-free-tours-of-former-coast-guard-ship-miami-20171228-story.html