Family Concern For 'idealist' Protester Held Aboard Ship

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday January 17, 2008

Les Kennedy

THE Sydney-born conservation activist Benjamin Potts, who is being held aboard a Japanese Antarctic whaling vessel, was committed to his principles of preserving endangered species, a relative said yesterday.

"Ben has always been an idealist," his uncle, Eric Watts, said from the southern Sydney suburb of Lilli Pilli.

Mr Watts said his 28-year-old nephew, who was born and grew up in the Sutherland Shire before moving to Victoria a few years ago, had served briefly in the Australian Army Reserve after completing his HSC at Carringbah High School.

Mr Watts said Ben's family and his brother, Daniel, who is in the regular army, were extremely concerned for his welfare. He said Ben's parents had asked friends and other relatives not to comment until his release, with that of Briton Giles Lane, 35, was secured.

Both men, crew members of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel Steve Irwin, were detained after they boarded the Japanese harpoon vessel Yushin Maru No. 2 on Tuesday to deliver a written plea to stop killing whales.

Mr Watts told Channel Nine that claims by the Japanese that the men threw acid "were disgusting".

"I have spoken to my sister, Ben's mother, and until Ben is off the Japanese ship she has asked family and friends not to comment," Mr Watts said.

"She is terribly worried.

"He is still being held captive. I sincerely hope that Ben is released safe and unharmed."

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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