110-day ocean hunt ends with Sea Shepherd rescuing alleged poachers

By Tim Hume, CNN

Updated 0156 GMT (0956 HKT) April 8, 2015

The last image of alleged poaching vessel the Thunder before it is completely submerged near Sao Tome. The crew on board were rescued by the Sea Shepherd vessel that had pursued them for months.
Photos: A cat-and-mouse game on the sea
Thunder sinks – The last image of alleged poaching vessel the Thunder before it is completely submerged near Sao Tome. The crew on board were rescued by the Sea Shepherd vessel that had pursued them for months.
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The Thunder lists dramatically to the starboard side as it takes on water. The captain of the Sea Shepherd vessel that came to the rescue told CNN that he believed that the Thunder was deliberately sunk to destroy evidence of illegal fishing.
Photos: A cat-and-mouse game on the sea
Thunder sinks – The Thunder lists dramatically to the starboard side as it takes on water. The captain of the Sea Shepherd vessel that came to the rescue told CNN that he believed that the Thunder was deliberately sunk to destroy evidence of illegal fishing.
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The Sea Shepherd ships remain at a safe distance from the sinking Thunder.
Photos: A cat-and-mouse game on the sea
Thunder sinks – The Sea Shepherd ships remain at a safe distance from the sinking Thunder.
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Sea Shepherd crew hand over water to the Thunder crew in life rafts.
Photos: A cat-and-mouse game on the sea
Thunder sinks – Sea Shepherd crew hand over water to the Thunder crew in life rafts.
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Sea Shepherd crew tow a convoy of life rafts back to the safety of their ship.
Photos: A cat-and-mouse game on the sea
Thunder sinks – Sea Shepherd crew tow a convoy of life rafts back to the safety of their ship.
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Sea Shepherd vessels the Bob Barker and the Sam Simon flank the alleged poaching vessel, the Thunder.