19 November 2013

Anadarko Giant Drilling Ship Nears Oil Free Seas Flotilla

Anadarko’s giant drilling ship is heading towards the Oil Free Seas Flotilla, who remain on the site where the Texan oil company intends to drill.

The Noble Bob Douglas is now just seven miles away, and is accompanied by support vessels, one of which, the Hart Tide, is currently speeding towards the flotilla, ahead of the drilling ship.

The Oil Free Seas Flotilla is made up of six boats. They were cheered off by hundreds of New Zealanders from various ports earlier this week.

They are continuing to defend the site from the Noble Bob Douglas drilling ship, which has not yet been tested to drill at these depths.

This Saturday, New Zealanders can show their support for the flotilla by making a banner and getting down to their favourite west coast beach. There’s lots more details here: banners.getfree.org.nz.

The Oil Free Seas Flotilla is a loose association of individuals and boat owners who oppose deep-sea drilling and the new legislation that takes away New Zealander’s long-standing right to peacefully protest at sea. One of the boats taking part, the Vega, also sailed against French nuclear tests in the Pacific.

Earlier this year, the Government announced a controversial new law to ban aspects of protesting at sea, known as the ‘Anadarko Amendment’.

ENDS

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