From The Sydney Morning Herald: Ady Gil Rammed and Cut in Half

"Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd's stealth boat Ady Gil has been cut in half by a Japanese security vessel in the Antarctic today, the group's leader Paul Watson said.

The $1.5 million high-tech vessel's remains were sinking, but its six-man crew had been rescued and was uninjured, Captain Watson told The Age online.

Captain Watson said the Ady Gil was idling in waters near Commonwealth Bay when it was suddenly approached and rammed by the Japanese ship Shonan Maru, which has been detailed to provide security to the fleet.

Earlier today, the fleet was contacted for the first time by the Ady Gil and Sea Shepherd's surprise third vessel, the Bob Barker.

Captain Watson, aboard the Steve Irwin, said he was still 500 miles from the scene.

"This seriously escalates the whole situation," Captain Watson said of the collision.

"According to the Institute of Cetacean Research, the Ady Gil's crew were launching projectiles at the Nisshin Maru and attempted to entangle its propellers with rope." '

All rights: The Sydney Morning Herald