ACTIVISTS SETTLE IN FOR THE DURATION AS SURVIVAL CAPSULE IS RAISED ONTO THE STENA DEE
12 August 1997
The Greenpeace occupation of the Stena Dee took on a note of permanence this morning as the MV Greenpeace and Rainbow C carried out a complex operation to raise a survival capsule onto the side of the platform.
The Stena Dee, which is still being occupied by Greenpeace climbers 66 hours into the action, has been unable to make any significant progress towards the Foinaven oil field. It was due at the BP field to carry out work on drilling centre two, linking up oil carrying pipes to a manifold.
The bright yellow survival capsule now suspended against the aft, port platform leg will be home to the climbers occupying the platform. The capsule was last seen on Rockall where it was home to the Greenpeace activists who spent 48 days on the tiny outcrop.
The action to attach the capsule to the Stena Dee began at 0930 hours this morning. Five climbers scaled the platform legs and put in place a series of ropes and pulleys. Four inflatables were involved in the action and one towed the water tight capsule to the platform which was then hoisted into place using the power of one of the boats with the climbers assisting its ascent. The capsule is securely lashed into place around 40 feet above sea level.
The aim is to attach the capsule's solar and wind power generators later today.
The platform, is now 16 .5 miles from the Foinaven field but seems to be moving away from it at a very slow speed following Greenpeace's early morning deployment of swimmers to halt their progress.
Speaking from on board the MV Greenpeace, campaigner Liz Pratt said, "this is more than just a practical way to continue our occupation, the capsule has become a powerful symbol for the whole campaign and puts solar power slap bang onto an oil platform."
Deputy Executive Director of Greenpeace, Chris Rose said, "The capsule will provide the activists with better protection and demonstrates that we are here to stay. We have made our position clear to BP: if they are prepared to suspend developments at Foinaven and send the Stena Dee away, we will end this action."
In a letter to BP yesterday, Greenpeace said that the action would end once BP had agreed to halt developments at Foinaven pending a meeting between Greenpeace and BP scheduled for the 1st September.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Greenpeace Press Office on +44 (0)171-865 8255/6/7/8