The whaling fleet began to fill away on a northerly course.

捕鲸船队开始向北乘风前进.

Japan intends to send its whaling fleet back to the Antarctic this year, a senior official has told BBC News.

日本一位高级官员向BBC透露，日本今年计划继续向南极洲派遣捕鲸舰队。

As the Steve Irwin approached the equator last week, word that Japan would be sending a strengthened whaling fleet to Antarctica next month reached the bridge of the old Aberdeen-built customs vessel.

海洋守护者协会的“史蒂夫-欧文”号由英国阿伯丁制造，过去是海关缉私船。上星期它在赤道附近，收到消息说下个月日本将派遣一个加强的捕鲸舰队到南极。