World News 28-08-2003 Toothfish Pirates Seized who: Fisheries minister Ian Macdonald what: Says 4,600 mile chase should "send a message" to would-be toothfish pirates where: Australia when: Yesterday snippet: "One of the longest and most dangerous peacetime maritime pursuits ended last night," says The Telegraph, "when vessels from Britain, Australia and South Africa surrounded a fugitive ship manned by suspected Patagonian toothfish smugglers." The Uruguay-bound ship carried the endangered fish, worth an estimated five million Australian dollars, through conditions described by the BBC as "extremely severe". The chase for the Viarsa "began in a remote Australian fisheries zone on 7 August," says The Scotsman. "More than 4,500 nautical miles and nearly three weeks later, it was being trailed by three pursuit vessels, including a British fisheries ship usually based in the Falklands." 40 crew were arrested and the cargo of toothfish, which is highly prized by restauraters, has been confiscated, says Daniel McGrory in The Times. "The vessel will now be escorted to Cape Town, having been captured without injuries or violence, according to a South African official." In other fishing news, the BBC reports that "the number of cod in the North Sea has fallen to a critical low point". [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!