26 November 2013

Oil Free Seas Flotilla heads for shore - the battle continues

Having protested at the location of Anadarko’s deep sea oil drilling 110 nautical miles from Raglan since Saturday 16 November, the Oil Free Seas Flotilla is returning to shore.

“We have proudly represented the views of thousands of New Zealander’s out here at sea who want a future based on clean energy not risky deep sea drilling” said Tim Foreman, skipper of the SV Friendship.

“By bearing witness to the first of Anadarko’s deep sea drills off our coast we have brought this issue into the homes of New Zealanders over the last two weeks.”

Spokesperson for the Oil Free Seas Flotilla, Anna Horne said “They have highlighted what the Government wanted to keep out of sight and out of mind, the risks that are been taken with our oceans, economy and way of life for the benefit of foreign oil drillers.”

“Last Saturday while we protested Anadarko at sea, thousands of people took to the nations shores in defence of our coastlines. Together we sent the message loud and clear that deep sea drilling is not our future, and we will continue to send that message from shore. ”

Skipper Tim Foreman said “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone for your support. We are very proud to have set sail in defence of our oceans and coastlines.

“Anadarko have broken their own safety rules by drilling with a protest vessel inside the 500 meter exclusion zone. The government’s Anadarko amendment (the 500 meter protest ban) has been made a mockery of as the SV Vega has remained in that zone non-stop over the last week.

“The Flotilla arrived together at this point in the ocean 10 days ago and we depart together today.

“We repeat our demand that Anadarko cease their deep sea drilling and return to Texas. You are not welcome here.

“The world needs clean energy not new supplies of extreme oil that drive climate change.”

The Flotilla is expected to arrive in Auckland by around Sunday midday (to be confirmed).

http://oilfreeseasflotilla.org.nz/

Timeline
8 November - Tiama first departs Bluff
11 November - Vega, Shearwater II and Friendship sail from Auckland.
12 November - Ratbag departs Opua.
14 November - Baltazar and Tiama depart Wellington
16 November - All 6 boats meet up and arrive at drill spot
19 November - Anadarko’s drillship Noble Bob Douglas arrives to drill location. Despite radio warning, Vega remains within 500 meter exclusion zone.
23 November - Thousands take to nations beaches at midday in solidarity with flotilla
26 November - all six Flotilla boats departs drill region when drilling is reported to have begun.

ENDS

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