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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

From The Sports Desk: World Cup qualifying drama

April 01, 2026
From The Sports Desk: World Cup qualifying drama

The final World Cup qualifiers took place yesterday and were, as expected,full of drama. OurAndrew Greifbreaks down all the results below. The headline: The final member of Team USA's group will be Turkey, not Kosovo, and Italy will miss the tournament entirely.

NBC Universal Kosovo v Türkiye - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs (Armando Babani / UEFA via Getty Images)

Also, ourRohan Nadkarnirecently had a wide-ranging interview withBam Adebayo, the Miami Heat center who scored 83 points in a single game last month. In today's newsletter: an excerpt from that conversation, on one of the greatest playoff moments in Heat history.

CheckNBC Newstomorrow for a full story on Adebayo, and keep coming back for continued coverage leading up to this summer's World Cup.

The Field is Set

DR Congo's defender Axel Tuanzebe celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time  (Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images)

You didn't have to be a soccer fan to appreciate the drama that played out yesterday across six matches — the final qualifying matches for the World Cup — stretching from Kosovo to Guadalajara, Mexico. There were penalty kicks, extra-time goals and a red card — and 12 hours after the day's qualifiers started, the field for thissummer's World Cupwas finally set.

That means that nearly four months after the 48-team field was drawn into four-team groups, the U.S. men at last know their third and final group stage opponent.

With a 1-0 win over Kosovo, Turkey qualified for Group D, where it will face the U.S. on June 25 in Inglewood, California. That will follow U.S. matches on June 12 against Paraguay, also in Inglewood, and June 19 against Australia in Seattle. One analysis of yesterday's result is that the group stage games just got harder for the U.S.: In FIFA's world rankings, Turkey is 22nd, while Kosovo, Team USA's other prospective opponent, is 78th.

This will be Turkey's first World Cup appearance since 2002, and it wasn't the only nation yesterday to end a long tournament drought. The Democratic Republic of Congo made itsfirst World Cup since 1974after its 100th-minute goal beat Jamaica in extra time.

In Prague, Denmark scored a game-tying goal in the 111th minute — only for Czechia to ultimately win on penalty kicks to book its first World Cup appearance since 2006. Sweden, which missed out on the 2022 tournament, snuck past Poland after a goal in the 88th minute.

Iraq grabbed the final qualifying spot to advance to its first World Cup since 1986 by beating Bolivia, 2-1, in the day's final game.

In perhaps the biggest shocker, Bosnia and Herzegovinaoutlasted Italy on penalty kicksto return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. A proud soccer nation with four World Cup titles in its history, Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup. Italy was down a player for the entire second half after earning a costly red card.

"We still don't believe it," the Italian defenderLeonardo Spinazzolasaid, according to The Associated Press.

Bam's Block

Image: Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder look on as Bam Adebayo blocks a shot attempt by the Celtics' Jayson Tatum  (Mark J. Terrill / AP)

The Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics tonight, the latest chapter in an ongoing Eastern Conference rivalry. We recently spoke with Heat centerBam Adebayoabout one of the great plays from the team's postseason battles: Adebayo's game-clinching block againstJayson Tatumin overtime of Game 1 of the 2020 Eastern Conference finals.

"I could have, for sure, been on the other end of the highlight," Adebayo told NBC News. "That moment happened so fast, but also like it was in slow motion at the same time."

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The Heat were leading 116-114 with 12 seconds left when Tatum received the ball at the top of the key. After eventually driving byJimmy Butler, Tatum went up for a dunk, only to be met with a denial by Adebayo above the rim. Miami won the game and eventually the series, advancing to the NBA Finals.

"I remember — it was so quiet in there, because it's the bubble — it sounded like the basketball popped. And I remember like, 'Damn. What just happened?' I remember my hands tingling. But also when it happened, I was just so worried about getting the ball that I didn't realize what happened. By the time I blocked it, I'm looking to grab the ball, and then I just see my teammates on the sideline going crazy, and I was like, 'Dang, I really blocked that at the rim.'"

Heat coachErik Spoelstrarecalled: "I said 'Oh, s---!' in the moment of it, and it was oh, s--- because Tatum had a wide-open angle to the rim, and that's unlike us. And then the double oh, s--- when Bam made the play."

For more on Adebayo's defensive greatness, be sure to come back toNBC News tomorrow.

What We're Reading

Iran "will be at the World Cup," FIFA PresidentGianni Infantinosaid.

Changes are coming to the NFL schedule for next year, includingdropping "Monday Night Football"doubleheaders.

Tiger Woodssayshe'll seek treatmentafter his DUI arrest.

NFL CommissionerRoger Goodellsays the league has noplans to ditch the Rooney Ruledespite pressure from the Florida attorney general.

Robin DeLorenzo, one of the first three female NFL officials,filed suit against the leagueover her treatment and firing.

LeBron JamespassedKareem Abdul-Jabbarformost wins in NBA historywith the Lakers' victory over his former team, the Cavaliers.

Mariners prospectColt Emersoninked a $95 million contract— before he's even played a game.

MLB umpireC.B. Bucknoris under more heat aftermissing a call at first baseand not even looking at the play when making the call.

What We're Watching

Barring another team's collapse,Bam Adebayoand the Miami Heat appear headed toward the NBA play-in tournament. They'll try to improve their standing tonight against the rival Boston Celtics.

Also,Victor Wembanyamaand the San Antonio Spurs continue their chase for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference tonight against the Golden State Warriors.

All times are Eastern:

  • 7:30 p.m.: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat, on ESPN

  • 9 p.m.: Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks, on HBO Max

  • 10 p.m.: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors, on ESPN

That's it for now! We'll be back tomorrow.

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NBA Europe draws massive interest, proposals of up to $1 billion

April 01, 2026
NBA Europe draws massive interest, proposals of up to $1 billion

A key deadline has come and gone for theNBA's venture into Europe, and the league office is buoyed with the result, all of which signals building momentum for the proposed upstart league.

USA TODAY Sports

The NBA had set a midnight deadline of Wednesday, April 1 for prospective investors to submit non-binding bids for consideration into the league's proposed NBA Europe expansion. According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, north of 120 investment groups expressed interest in teams for the proposed league, with multiple bids even surpassing $1 billion. The league had set a loose threshold for entry at around $500 million; according to the person, many of the bid proposals fell within that $500 million to $1 billion range.

The proposed bids essentially act similarly to licensing fees that represent a buy-in into the league.

The non-binding bids came from wealthy individuals, investment firms and even existing teams in the EuroLeague, which is the legacy league that NBA Europe would be looking to compete against, if not replace altogether.

The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center. Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena. <p style=Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena. Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum. Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum. Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.

Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

"We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe backed by the NBA and FIBA," NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said Wednesday in a statement emailed to USA TODAY Sports. "The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace's belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball. We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent."

There are 12 cities across Europe that the NBA and FIBA, its partner in the venture, are targeting for the new league. The cities are among the biggest in Europe and include Rome, Paris, Barcelona, London and Athens.

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Now, the NBA will present the most attractive bids to the Board of Governors for approval.

The NBA held a Board of Governors session March 24 and 25, during which the expansion into Europe was discussed. Tatum, who also operates as the NBA's chief operating officer, updated ownership on the progress of NBA Europe, though no measures were put up for a vote.

The NBA and FIBA are planning to structure the new league with 14 to 16 teams, with 10 to 12 of those being permanent fixtures and the others being open slots based on performance in FIBA leagues.

One key hurdle will be the NBA's ongoing discussions with EuroLeague leadership over the stakes and control of the proposed NBA Europe league. At last week's Board of Governors meeting, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he sensed that EuroLeague was willing to engage in discussions with the objective of getting a deal done.

Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media during a press conference before 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome.

"I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague here and that we came up with a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe," Silver said Wednesday, March 25. "That means complementing the country leagues, working together with the EuroLeague and working together with our federation, FIBA."

Chus Bueno, who was recently appointed as the EuroLeague's CEO, has a friendly relationship with Silver from the time when Bueno worked in the NBA league office.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA Europe deadline garners huge interest, proposals up to $1 billion

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Tiger Woods Gets Judge Approval to Leave U.S. for Treatment Due to 'Privacy' Concerns

April 01, 2026
Tiger Woods Gets Judge Approval to Leave U.S. for Treatment Due to 'Privacy' Concerns

A Florida judge has granted Tiger Woods permission to leave the United States as he seeks treatment following his DUI charge

People Tiger Woods on Feb. 14, 2024 in CaliforniaCredit: Harry How/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Woods' lawyer requested the motion, citing "privacy" concerns for the pro golfer

  • Woods will undergo inpatient treatment in an "intensive highly individualized and medically integrated program" outside of the U.S, according to the filing

Tiger Woodshas been granted permission to travel out of the country as he seeks treatment following hiscar crash and DUI charge.

A Florida judge granted Woods, 50, permission to leave the state to undergo treatment outside of the United States, according to court documents obtained and reviewed by PEOPLE on Wednesday, April 1.

Woods' treating physician recommended he seek treatment at a facility out of the country "based upon the Defendant's complex clinical presentation the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States," per the documents.

Tiger Woods on Feb. 16, 2024 in CaliforniaCredit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty

The request to leave the country for treatment was also made due to concerns that the golfer's "privacy has been repeatedly compromised,"

"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment," Woods' lawyer, Douglas Duncan, argued in the filing.

"Based upon Defendant's treating physician's opinions, inpatient treatment at the out of country treatment facility is medically necessary due to the Defendant's complexity, and need for an intensive highly individualized and medically integrated program," the documents said.

Woods will have no restrictions on travel as he faces the DUI charge and a charge for refusal to submit to a urine test, both of which he plead not guilty to on March 31, according to the documents.

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The out of country treatment facility will "provide continuous monitoring and the ability to rapidly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment" for Woods, his lawyer said in the filing.

Tiger Woods on Feb. 18, 2025 in FloridaCredit: Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty

The golferbroke his silence on the March 27 rollover car crashin a post on social media on March 31, in which he said he would be seeking treatment.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he said onX.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," Woods continued. "I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Sheriff John M. Budensiek alleged in a press conference after the accident that Woods appeared "lethargic" and had "signs of impairment" while speaking with officers after the crash. Woods blew "triple zeros" on a breathalyzer test, but he allegedly refused a urinalysis, and authorities believe he was "not impaired by alcohol but possibly by medication or another substance."

A probable cause affidavit, obtained by PEOPLE on March 31, also revealed that Woods wasin possession of two opioid pillsat the time of his arrest.

Read the original article onPeople

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'Bob's Burgers' actor Eugene Mirman rescued from fiery crash by New Hampshire governor's detail

April 01, 2026
'Bob's Burgers' actor Eugene Mirman rescued from fiery crash by New Hampshire governor's detail

BEDFORD, N.H. (AP) — "Bob's Burgers" voice actor and comedianEugene Mirmansuffered serious injuries after crashing his car into a toll plaza and being pulled from the fiery wreckage by a state trooper assigned to protect the governor of New Hampshire.

Associated Press

The crash happened just before noon Tuesday when a northbound electric vehicle struck the Bedford Toll Plaza and caught fire, New Hampshire State Police said.Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotteand her security detail came upon the crash soon after, and a trooper and two others pulled Mirman from the burning car through a window, said State Police Col. Mark Hall. The governor, who left her vehicle and retrieved a fire extinguisher, was not in any danger, he said.

"Eugene was in a very scary car accident," Mirman's agent Jay Glassner confirmed in a statement Wednesday. "He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries."

Hall called the actions of the rescuers "heroic."

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"Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it," Hall said.

State police identified the driver as Yevgeny Mirman, 51, of Massachusetts. Mirman, who was born in Moscow and grew up in Massachusetts, is known for voicing musical middle child Gene Belcher in more than 300 episodes of the animated comedy "Bob's Burgers" and its movie, in addition to roles on "Flight of the Conchords," "Delocated" and "Archer."

Ayotte said she and her husband were praying for the driver's recovery.

"I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving efforts," she said in a statement.

The crash remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.

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Ryan Seacrest Re-Lists His Stunning Napa Valley Home for $20 Million — See Inside!

April 01, 2026
Ryan Seacrest Re-Lists His Stunning Napa Valley Home for $20 Million — See Inside!

Ryan Seacrest has re-listed his Napa Valley estate for sale with a price tag of nearly $20 million

People Ryan Seacrest's Napa Valley home for saleCredit: JC Olivera/Billboard via Getty; Anthony Barcelo

NEED TO KNOW

  • The property includes a 10,750-square-foot main house, a pool house, a guest cottage, and an infinity-edge pool

  • Seacrest highlights the enclosed porch with valley views as his favorite spot, describing it as peaceful and unforgettable

Ryan Seacresthas put his Northern California home back on the market.

TheWheel of Fortunehost, 51, has re-listed his Napa Valley estate for $19.8 million after previously taking it off the market in November. The St. Helena, Calif., abode features five bedrooms, six full bathrooms and is spread out across 10,750 square feet.

Along with the main residence, the sprawling property includes a pool house, guest cottage and stunning valley and mountain views.

Cyd Greer of Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley holds thelisting.

Ryan Seacrest Napa Valley Home for SaleCredit: Anthony Barcelo

In a press release from Coldwell Banker, Seacrest says his favorite place in the property is the enclosed porch located just off the living room.

Ryan Seacrest Napa Valley Home for SaleCredit: Anthony Barcelo

"It's such a peaceful spot, and the views out over the valley floor are unforgettable," he says. "You can even see the hot air balloons drifting by in the distance. It's the kind of place where you naturally want to slow down and take it all in."

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The massive estate sits on 40 acres of land and boasts serene vineyard views. It also features multiple terraces, a bocce court and a 220-tree Italian olive grove.

Ryan Seacrest Napa Valley Home for SaleCredit: Anthony Barcelo

Additional impressive amenities at the property include seven fireplaces, an infinity-edge pool and spa and a spacious central courtyard.

The home, built in 2004, recently underwent renovations in 2024 courtesy ofNobili Marques Arquitecturaand Clint Nicholas Design.

Credit: Anthony Barcelo

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According toproperty records, Seacrest's abode has been taken on and off the market since 2018. Before this listing, it was put on the market for $22 million in April 2025 and removed later that year in November.

Read the original article onPeople

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Homeland Security pauses plan to purchase warehouses for detention centers

April 01, 2026
Homeland Security pauses plan to purchase warehouses for detention centers

The Department of Homeland Security is temporarily pausing plans to buy warehouses to detain undocumented immigrants,according tomultiple reports, with the move coming less than two weeks into recently confirmed Secretary Markwayne Mullins' tenure.

USA TODAY

In an emailed statement to USA TODAY, DHS said that "As with any transition, we are reviewing agency policies and proposals." It's not clear whether Mullin intends on moving forward with the agency's plan to convert already acquired warehouses into detention centers.

The former Oklahoma senator has previously expressed some hesitancy, noting at his confirmation hearing last month that "it's important that we're talking to the communities" where such centers would be constructed and maintained.

DHS' estimated$38.3 billion plan to buy 24 commercial warehousesand boost its detention capacity to more than 92,000 beds in a few months had received criticism from some local officials and residents in the potential locations, according to previous reporting by USA TODAY. Local authorities have voiced concerns that the facilities could overwhelm public sewage and water systems.

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The pushback contributed to the collapse of at least 11 deals, but as of early March, the federal government had purchased at least 10 warehouses.

Some proposed warehouses are expected to hold more than 8,000 individuals at a time. PresidentDonald Trump's deportation crackdown was a cornerstone of his 2024 reelection bid and first year of his second term.

DHS is currently shut down as Congress islockedin a battle over the department's funding, particularly over immigration enforcement after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal officers in Minnesota. But Republican lawmakers announced April 1 that the House is set to pass a Senate bill tofund most of the department, minus Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:DHS, Mullin pauses purchasing warehouses for detention centers

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Activist vessel collides with krill trawler in Antarctic confrontation

April 01, 2026
Activist vessel collides with krill trawler in Antarctic confrontation

MIAMI (AP) — A ship operated by a group founded by anti-whaling activist Paul Watson collided with an industrial krill trawler in Antarctica in what the ship's Norwegian owner said was a "deliberate attack" that endangered its crew and could've caused a disaster in the same environmentally sensitive waters the activists claim they want to protect.

Associated Press CORRECTS DATE TO TUESDAY, MARCH 31, NOT APRIL 1 - In this image from video provided by the Aker Qrill Company, an activist ship, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, collides with the Antarctic Sea, a vessel operated by Aker Qrill Company, in Antarctic waters, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Aker Qrill Company via AP) In this photo provided by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, the M/V Bandero, a Captain Paul Watson Foundation vessel, collides with the Antarctic Sea, a vessel operated by Aker Qrill Company, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Antarctica. (Soizic Roux/Captain Paul Watson Foundation via AP)

CORRECTION Antarctica Krill Ship Collision

A two-minute video provided to The Associated Press by the Aker QRILL Co. shows the moment Tuesday when the M/V Bandero, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, slowly steams toward the stern of the fishing vessel, hitting its port side at a slight angle.

The collision underscores thegrowing battlein the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean over the future of Antarctic krill, a shrimplike crustacean central to the diet of whales and critical buffer to global warming that's also in demand for use in health supplements, fishmeal and other products.

Aker said Wednesday that the Bandero came within centimeters of striking a diesel tank on its vessel, the Norwegian-flagged Antarctic Sea, and put at risk a habitat teeming with multiple whale species, seals and seabirds — all feeding on the Southern Ocean'sabundant but environmentally sensitive krill population.

The company said its multinational crew was shaken but unharmed and it would pursue all available legal action.

"Our crew were put at risk in some of the most remote waters on Earth, and only luck avoided potential environmental damage," Aker CEO Webjørn Barstad said in a statement.

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation did not respond to a request from the AP about Aker's accusations. But in its own news release, it characterized its actions as "aggressive nonviolence." It said the crew, led by French activist Lamya Essemlali, managed to disrupt all krill fishing during a five-hour "direct intervention" against two Aker-owned vessels. It also provided images showing the crew launching giant metal net shredding devices intended to disrupt fishing.

Watson himself was not on the ship, which departed Australia in February as part of what the Watson foundation called Operation Krill Wars.

"Throughout the encounter, the crew witnessed Antarctic wildlife in the surrounding waters, including penguins, seals, and even a whale, underscoring what was at stake as a small ship challenged a powerful industrial krill operation in a stark David-and-Goliath scenario," the foundation said in a statement.

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Watson founded the global Sea Shepherd conservation movement in the 1970s and for decades won a fearsome reputation for ramming vessels and other aggressive tactics in confrontations on the high seas that repeatedly landed him in jail. He was lastdetained in Greenland for five monthsin 2024 on a Japanese warrant that was later rejected by Denmark. Japan's coast guard sought his arrest over an encounter in 2010 in which he was accused of ordering a captain of his ship to throw explosives at what the Japanese labeled a whaling research ship.

While the Canadian-American citizen in the past has drawn support from Hollywood celebrities, his hard-line tactics have split the movement he started, with affiliates in France and Brazil rallying behind his newly created namesake foundation while Sea Shepherd Global and 20 national affiliates focus more on watchdog patrols on the high seas, policy action and supporting law enforcement in poorer countries where illegal fishing is rampant.

Fishing in Antarctica for krillsurged to a record last season, forcing an early closure of fishing activity for the first time.

Aker is the world's largest harvester of krill, responsible for over half the world's catch.

The remote fishery is managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, an international organization composed of 27 nations and the European Union.

Any investigation into the incident, including possible criminal prosecution, is likely to commence at the Mongolia-flagged Bandero's next port of call. Under international maritime law, an overtaking vessel has an obligation to stay clear of any nearby ship it's passing.

Bandero is named after the tequila company owned by John Paul DeJoria, an American billionaire who founded Paul Mitchell hair care products and has been a longtime supporter of Watson's endeavors.

This story has corrected the month that the Bandero left Australia to February, not March.

___ This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Contact AP's global investigative team atInvestigative@ap.orgorhttps://www.ap.org/tips/

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