Nisshin Maru
To contest the hunt, the "Bob Barker" departed Hobart, Tasmania on December 15. The "Steve Irwin" was to follow from Albany, Australia on December 16 and the "Brigitte Bardot" from Fremantle, Australia on December 17. Using remote-controlled, pilotless aerial drones, Watson said that they had made contact with the "Nisshin Maru" west of Perth on December 24, 2011. Watson stated that Japanese security vessels were tailing the "Steve Irwin" and reporting its location so that the "Nisshin Maru" would be able to stay away from Watson's ship. According to Watson, however, the "Bob Barker" and "Brigitte Bardot", were free to continue the pursuit of "Nisshin Maru".