Yushin Maru

The Yushin Maru.

The Yushin Maru is a harpoon vessel in the ICR's whaling fleet. It is the oldest operating harpoon vessel in the fleet. It has two identical sister ships, the Yushin Maru No. 2 and Yushin Maru No. 3.

History

The Yushin Maru was built in 2000 and joined the fleet. It's first confrontations with activists occurred when Greenpeace members intervened with the whaling fleet. Since then, the Yushin Maru has had constant confrontations with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Seized by Russia

In the 2018 and 2019 season Yushin Maru No.1 and the Shonan Maru No. 2 were seized by the Russians. Japan paid the bail but because the captain and crew were detained the vessel is laid up in Tokyo and both will be sold..