Latest news with #Greenland
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sailor missing off Labrador coast rescued after cargo ship picked up his signal
ST. JOHN'S — A sailor who went missing off the southeast coast of Labrador is alive and well after a cargo ship picked up his alert. Martin Hurley with the maritime rescue sub-centre in St. John's says the man set out on a solo voyage to Greenland in a six-metre sailboat — called the Tonnerre — in early July from Blanc-Sablon, Que. Hurley says the man was keeping family and friends updated on social media, and someone called authorities on Sunday after his posts had stopped. Hurley says the sailor ran into stormy weather and five-metre-high waves, which likely damaged his vessel and its electronics. However, the man was able to send out a radio signal that was picked up Wednesday morning by the Lowlands Century bulk carrier ship. Hurley says a Cormorant helicopter hoisted the man out of his boat a few hours later, and he was safe and unharmed and taken back to shore. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025. The Canadian Press Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
CBC
12 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Iqaluit resident Virginia Mearns named Canada's Arctic ambassador
Prime Minister Mark Carney has named Inuit leader Virginia Mearns as Canada's Arctic ambassador. Carney made the announcement Thursday morning during an Inuit-Crown partnership committee meeting in Inuvik, N.W.T. Mearns, who lives in Iqaluit, currently serves as senior director of Inuit relations at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and has previously held senior positions with the government of Nunavut, including as the deputy minister of executive and intergovernmental affairs. Mearns has also spent over a decade in various roles with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Mearns' appointment Thursday is the latest development in Canada's new Arctic foreign policy released in December. Canada has also committed to opening new consulates in Alaska and Greenland, supporting science and research in the Arctic and discussing Arctic security with foreign ministers in other northern countries.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Japan sees red as Interpol drops arrest request for whale activist Paul Watson
Interpol 's decision to drop a decade-old red notice against Paul Watson, the outspoken founder of marine conservation group Sea Shepherd, has sparked outrage in Japan , with critics accusing the international police agency of bowing to Western bias and undermining justice for alleged attacks on Japanese whalers. Interpol announced on Tuesday that it had removed the red notice – a non-binding request for the arrest and extradition of a wanted individual – after a review by its independent Commission for the Control of Files, which found the request raised concerns about political motivations and potential rights violations. Watson, 74, had been wanted since 2012 after Japan requested the red notice over clashes in Antarctic waters two years earlier, when his group hurled rancid butter at whaling vessels and allegedly interfered with harpoon operations. The Canadian-American was initially taken into custody in the German city of Frankfurt that same year but was later released, despite the red notice being in effect. Hopes of a successful extradition were revived when Watson was arrested in Greenland last July. Japanese officials were optimistic that Denmark – which governs Greenland and also oversees pro-whaling territories like the Faroe Islands – might be more amenable to handing him over. People demonstrate in Paris last October to support Paul Watson, who was asking France's president for political asylum. Photo: AP But those hopes were dashed in December when the Danish government announced it would not comply with Japan's request and released Watson from custody, citing the lack of assurances that his time in detention in Greenland would count towards any future sentence.
CNA
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Japan vows to pursue anti-whaling activist Watson despite Interpol decision
TOKYO: Japan reacted angrily on Wednesday (Jul 23) after Interpol lifted its red wanted notice against anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, insisting its own arrest warrant remains valid. Interpol had issued the notice against Watson, known for radical tactics including confrontations with whaling ships at sea, at the request of Japan. But "Interpol has officially and permanently dismissed the Red Notice against me", Watson said in a statement on Tuesday, calling the move an end to the Japanese whalers' "vendetta". Interpol confirmed to AFP that it had deleted the red notice, which asks police worldwide to arrest a suspect. Tokyo called the decision "extremely regrettable", with top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi saying it would not deter Japan. "The removal doesn't change the fact that Japan's arrest warrant for him is valid," Hayashi told a regular news briefing. "Our position remains unchanged that we will continue to call on the parties involved for his extradition," he said. Watson, a 74-year-old Canadian-American, was arrested and detained in Greenland in July 2024 on a 2012 Japanese warrant, which accused him of causing damage to a whaling ship and injuring a whaler. He was released in December after Denmark refused the Japanese extradition request over the 2010 clash with whalers. On Dec 20, Watson returned to France, where his children attend school, following a high-profile campaign in his support.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
16 Non-negotiables I Packed for a 10-day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda That Kept Me Dry and Cool in the Rainforest
I've traveled across the globe—from the mountains of New Zealand to the rice fields of Vietnam to the icy towns of Greenland—but the most logistically challenging trip I've ever been on was gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The packing list was no joke: industrial-strength bug spray that lasts 12 hours, waterproof hiking pants for unpredictable weather, and layers that manage to wick sweat and still look pulled together. Want to know the real challenge, though? It all had to fit into a single duffel bag, since our group trek involved tight quarters on a small tour bus—and my beloved extra-large, hard-shell suitcase was not invited. So what made it into the bag that worked for jungle trekking, safari outings, city shopping, and dinners? Here's everything I packed for this unforgettable 10-day adventure. As a note, the temperatures can vary greatly, so layers are key. During the day, it can reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit at lower elevations but drop as low as 41 degrees at higher altitudes where the gorillas live. Also, when purchasing hiking gear to wear for gorilla trekking, buy only neutral colors—like army green, khaki, black, and tan — to avoid startling them and drawing extra attention to yourself. If you take away only one piece of packing advice from this article, let it be this: you need waterproof pants. Even though most gorilla treks in Rwanda and Uganda take place in the summer (the area's dry season), the gorillas live in the rainforest, so rain can be expected anytime. Not only for rain, though, waterproof pants also resist stinging needles, which, as the name suggests, sting and burn your skin on contact. These zero-cloud rain pants were sturdy enough to hike the rainforest, while still being ultra-breathable and lightweight. Although a pricier option at $159, they're built to last. Additionally, they offer adjustable straps at the feet, which offer additional coverage for your ankles as you're trekking through heavy brush and bush. Just as the weather is unpredictable in the rainforest, so are the bugs. In addition to bug spray (which you'll find later in the list), I also packed an insect shield hoodie for added protection. The exact one I brought is almost sold out, but this similar Columbia hoodie is treated with a synthetic version of permethrin, a natural bug repellent, that's woven into the fabric for long-lasting protection from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. As a bonus, it also offers 50+ UPF protection against the sun, and the material is designed to be sweat-wicking to keep you cool and dry, even in hot, humid conditions. The repellent fabric is designed to last for up to 70 washes, so it should be plenty for the life of the shirt. It's also available in men's sizes for $70. $190 at REI $190 $142 at The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone going on a gorilla trek (or really any hiking trip) is to invest in good quality hiking boots. I've almost exclusively used the Merrell brand for a decade, and have never been disappointed. For my Rwanda trip, I opted for these Moab Speed 2 Leather Boots. I chose them for the high top (for added ankle protection) and waterproof canvas, but I was extra surprised when I learned they offered odor protection. I also love the outsoles that provide excellent traction while walking uphill and rock scrambling. At $190, they're the most expensive item on this list, but they are built to last for years. One of the most important items in my duffel was my set of gardening gloves. Our guide recommended the Pine Tree Tools brand specifically because of its durability, and I still use them to this day to garden in my backyard. The reason for gloves on a gorilla trek is simple—they protect your hands from the sharp and thorny vegetation you need to walk through to get to the gorillas' nests. Plus, the walk up to where they live is rocky and uneven, so the gloves provided even more protection as I was trying to scrabble up and around boulders and slippery trails. They get bonus points for breathability and price, costing less than $10 a pair. One thing I didn't realize until I started researching what to pack for my trip was that face masks (preferably N95) are mandatory when visiting the gorillas. Despite the similarities between humans and gorillas, we carry different diseases than they do, and without a mask, we run the risk of infecting the entire family with what could be fatal infections. Although any color mask is okay (as long as your mouth and nose are covered), I opted for these black ones for additional camouflage. If rainforests are anything, they're unpredictable, and we even had a little precipitation on our hike in June (Rwanda's dry season). I didn't just wear this North Face rain jacket on the hike—I wore it every morning and evening, too. Although on the pricier side ($110), this jacket comes with the quality you expect from The North Face, with impressive waterproofing that can also withstand high winds. It's made to move with you so you won't feel constricted, and the detachable hood and secured zip pockets add convenience. I went with the black for versatility, but it also comes in several other colors. Jennifer Schmidt Photography This one seems self-explanatory, but you'd be surprised how many people in my group forgot bug spray when we arrived in Rwanda. During the dry season, there are tons of mosquitoes, and they're happy to bite any bare skin they see. Ben's Tick and Insect spray is effective, made from a strong 30 percent DEET formula, and it offers up to seven hours of insect protection. This brand is also alcohol and fragrance-free, which many shoppers appreciate. Although a gorilla trek isn't a multi-day activity (you can only spend one hour per gorilla family per day), this Osprey daypack was a necessity for everything I needed to bring. Not only is it lightweight and water resistant, but it also has a non-padded hip belt for added support, which came in handy as we were hiking uphill to the gorilla's nest. Additionally, it has an included hydration bladder, so I didn't have to lug around a heavy water bottle. Despite its relatively small size, this pack fit everything from my rain jacket to my discarded clothing layers, plus my insect repellent, camera, and a snack. Jennifer Schmidt Photography $58 at REI $58 at Every 'what to pack if you're going gorilla trekking' website I found mentioned bringing long-sleeve shirts exclusively. And yes, those are important. However, I'm even more thankful I packed a few of these Vuori T-shirts. Our trek was in June, and the days got very hot (especially after hiking for an hour or two). When safe to do so, I constantly took off layers and spent my afternoons in these short-sleeve tees. They're a little more expensive than a standard tee (around $58 each), but they're sweat-wicking, so they stay fresher longer. Bonus? They're ultra-flattering, offering a slight crop that is as cute with safari pants as with jeans. Merino wool is arguably one of the best materials to hike in, and a gorilla trek is no exception. Sweat-wicking and odor-resistance add longevity to this base layer set, allowing for multiple wears before needing a wash. The set is also thermoregulated, so it keeps you warmer when the temperatures are low and cooler when they heat up. The sets come in three weights—lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. I went with the lightweight set for my trek in June, but if you go in around September, a midweight set would be more beneficial; the heavyweight is recommended for treks in December through February. There's nothing worse than blisters when you're hiking, especially when you still have a few days of activity left to go. That's why most gorilla outfitters (like Overseas Adventure Travel, the company I traveled with) strongly recommend tall hiking socks. They not only work to prevent blisters, but they also add more coverage under your pants, keeping your legs free from stinging nettles, brush scratches, and mosquito bites. These dry-tech socks from Dickies also dry faster, so you're not stuck with wet feet as you walk. One reviewer says these REI Co-op bottoms are quickly becoming their 'go-to hiking pants,' and, after trekking in them for two full days (and wearing them on an eight-hour safari drive), I have to agree. They're water-resistant and offer six pockets (two front hand pockets, two back pockets, and two cargo pockets with flap closures), an elastic waistband, and slim-tapered legs for additional coverage. The many pockets were clutch for holding my phone, Go-Pro, and chapstick, while the sunglass hoops made storing my sunnies so much easier. Aside from my merino wool layer, this UPF 50+ safari shirt was my most-worn article of clothing during my 10-day trip. Not only did I wear it on the day of the gorilla trek, but I also wore it on the safari day and a few times to shop in Kigali and walk around Musanze Town (near Volcanoes National Park). It's clearly super versatile, but it's also sweat-wicking and offers maximum protection from the sun. Plus, the mesh-lined, vented back provided comfortable airflow. Yes, you need gaiters for a gorilla trek, even with proper pants, hiking socks, and boots. Often worn when fishing, gaiters are integral for a gorilla hike because they offer the necessary protection against vegetation, bugs, mud, and debris. With an almost five-star rating at REI, I went with these Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters, and they held up spectacularly. The coated nylon top layer protected my feet and ankles from water, mud, and stinging nettles, while the uncoated upper layer added some much-needed breathability. Since my trek was in the middle of June, the sun was often blazing hot by mid-afternoon. Even with ample sunscreen, I would have been far more sunburned had I not brought this ultra-storm bucket hat. I loved this particular hat for the more modest brim that offers better sun protection, and it's 100 percent waterproof and seam-sealed design, to better keep my head dry if it started to rain. It also boasts 50+ UPF protection with a very lightweight, breathable fabric. Although not necessary for the actual gorilla trek, a wearable headlamp was strongly recommended by our guide. The hotel we stayed at in Volcanoes National Park was large and offered cabin-style accommodations. After a day of hiking, we often had to walk to dinner in the dark, and these headlamps provided hands-free illumination. Additionally, if you camp or stay in similar accommodations on safari, you often have to navigate the darkness to find the restrooms as well. These headlamps at Amazon have over 12,000 five-star ratings, are fully rechargeable, and cost just $10. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
