They were in the process of creating a symbolic 'whale graveyard' near the International Whaling Commission meeting being held on St Kitts when they were arrested by police, some armed with M-16 semi automatic rifles.

More info + the story (and photographs) of how one whale got away in India thanks to one human individual's brave assertive action:  http://schmoontherun.blogspot.com/2006/06/saving-whale-pictures-how-60-saved.html