Last night, for the fourth time in four days, Greenpeace activists intercepted the Finnish icebreaker Nordica, which is part of Shell’s support fleet to drill in Alaska this summer.
The 14 swimmers from Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and Denmark, swam in front of the Nordica in the waters between Germany and Denmark to stop it from reaching the Arctic.
Pretty badass.
Last nights protest follows two similar actions earlier this week when 20 Greenpeace Nordic activists boarded the Nordica in Helsinki, Finland. When the first team of activists was arrested, 22 more activists arrived onsite in two inflatable boats and three canoes. Two days later, six Greenpeace Nordic activists boarded the same vessel off the coast of Sweden and until Swedish authorities were called to the scene. Two days later, six Greenpeace Nordic activists boarded the same vessel off the coast of Sweden until Swedish authorities were called to the scene. After 10 hours the activists were removed by a SWAT team and taken into custody. They were arrested under preliminary charges of aggravated trespass and arbitrary conduct.
As you know, the ships are part of oil giant Shells mission to drill in the waters off the coast of Alaska. Its insane, but melting sea ice from global warming has made it a reality. If Shell finds oil, the Arctic oil rush will be on.
Drilling in the backyard of the polar bear, narwhal, Arctic fox and other iconic species is unacceptable. A spill or accident in these waters would be disastrous and the harsh conditions would make responding to such a disaster almost impossible.
Please tell the people you know who care to join us to #SaveTheArctic.
