A British cruise line has apologized after passengers witnessed the “traditional” killing of 78 dolphins by residents when the ship docked in the Faroe Islands.
Passengers aboard the Ambition can only watch in horror as the ship docks in the capital for a bloody hunt during the summer season.
Ambassador Cruise Line took to Twitter to share a full apology and voice their objections to the “outdated practice” of whaling.
Ambassador CEO Christian Verhounig said: “We are extremely disappointed that this has happened after weeks of trying to engage in constructive dialogue with the Faroese government and visiting the Faroe Islands on these issues.
“We continue to educate our guests and crew not to buy or eat whale or dolphin meat and to oppose the practice of commercial whaling and the hunting of dolphins for profit.”
The image shows how Faroese people transport a beached and slaughtered whale for food
The Ambassador Ambience, another cruise ship operator. Ambition docked in the Faroe Islands on Sunday so passengers could view local whaling.
The cruise line duly apologized to passengers and took to Twitter to challenge the observer
In a press release, Twitter learns: “The Ambassador can confirm that Ambition’s arrival in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands immediately coincided with the end result of a search for over 40 pilot whales in the port area.
“We were extremely disappointed that this hunt took place while our ship was in port.
“We strongly oppose this outdated practice and have worked with our partner ORCA since 2021, a charity dedicated to the research and conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises in UK and European waters, to drive change.
“Sustainability is one of Ambassador Cruise Line’s core values, and we fully understand that attending this local event would be unsettling for most passengers on board.
“We would therefore like to offer our sincere apologies to them for the upheaval.”
Seventy-eight pilot whales, a species of dolphin, were killed near Tórshavn on Sunday (Yahoo News Australia). reported.
Rob Read, UK COO of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, said cruise lines should boycott the Faroe Islands altogether if they really need to push to stop whaling.
Cruise lines should support ocean wildlife and remove the Faroe Islands from itineraries.
“Their continued visits to the Faroe Islands unwittingly support the disgusting practice that is Grindatrap.”
In Grindadrap, several whales and dolphins are pushed into a shallow bay, where they are beached, killed and shot.
The “tradition” has been going on for 1,100 years and many islanders consider it part of their cultural heritage.
Island authorities currently regulate monitoring and require donor training.
Spectators come to see the customary coastal whaling in the Faroe Islands
The Observer is said to be culturally significant to many local people, and information dates back to the 900s.
With the use of harpoons and spears now prohibited, the whales are landed and killed in the spectator entrance.
A stranded whale has its dorsal fin severed, its spine severed and its arteries cut open, causing an unlimited amount of blood to flow onto the beach and into the sea.
The meat and fat from the animals are then used in meals, and the offal can also be processed for medicinal purposes.
For many years, analysis has revealed the welfare issues associated with the consumption of whales due to marine pollution.