Japanese Research Intern Mistakes GPS Tag And Exploding Harpoon

TOHOKO, JAPAN - Kiyoshi Sato, the 21 year old undergrad studying marine sciences at Tohoko University embarked on his first internship, a two month research trip through the Southern Sea aboard the Yūshin Maru Number II. The trip was to include observation, retrieving blood samples and tracking up to fifty migrating humpback whales in the area.

After empty weeks into the expedition, the vessel came upon a pod and an eager yet unqualified Sato mounted a GPS tracking device on the end of the spring loaded shaft. Unnoticed, senior researcher Nobuhiro Kiyotaki mounted the gun and took aim on a large female humpback just twenty yards portside, releasing the missile just below the base of the whales head. Watching with anticipation, the GPS tag pierced her skin with the shaft falling to the water, just as one who wanted to track and study the whale's movements would expect. Kiyotaki quickly realized Sato’s mistake.

Sato had found one of the few and useless GPS tags the fishers kept aboard the boat, when he was supposed to arm the cannon with one the numerous grenade tipped harpoons.

The pod quickly dove into safer depths while Sato received a harsh and lasting lecture. An ashamed Sato attempted to redeem himself, suggesting they use the GPS tag to relocate the pod for a second attempt. The team laughed hysterically, “We took the batteries out years ago,” replied Kiyotaki. “Don’t worry young one, we’ll find her again. We always do.”