GREENPEACE TAKES ACTION TO STOP SEISMIC SURVEY VESSELS ON ATLANTIC FRONTIER
4 July 1997
Greenpeace activists have attached themselves to operating survey equipment to prevent two seismic testing vessels from exploring in tranche 44 of the Atlantic Frontier.
At 12.30pm today 4 Greenpeace inflatables carrying 13 activists, were launched from the MV Greenpeace. Four of the activists, from Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and Denmark, climbed onto the floating buoys at the rear of the Geo Explorer, the larger of the two testing vessels. The activists, who are carrying flares and a "HANDS OFF THE ATLANTIC FRONTIER" banner, and the inflatables have remained in place whilst the testing continues.
The Geo Explorer and its partner ship the Malene Ostervold, are continuing with their survey on behalf of Agip UK and Phillips Petroleum. The license to explore in this area was issued under the 17th round of offshore licensing in April of this year.
Speaking from on board the MV Greenpeace, Captain Jon Castle said "Greenpeace is taking direct action to protect the climate. This seismic testing is the first phase in the exploration for new oil - oil which we can never afford to burn if the climate is to be saved.
The action will continue."The Geo Explorer and Malene Ostervold refused to stop testing when approached by Greenpeace. These ships use an array of microphones encased in long `streamers' (six or eight in total, up to 3600 metres each) which are pulled behind the survey vessel. A separate array of air guns, emitting explosions of up to 250 decibels every 7 seconds, surveys the rock and hydrocarbon (oil) formations beneath the sea bed.
Yesterday six GP activists were arrested in Ullapool harbour where they had successfully halted the departure of another seismic survey vessel, the Atlantic Explorer.
Greenpeace has lodged papers in the High Court in London alleging that the Government acted illegally by issuing license for oil exploration under the 17th licensing round.
Tranche 44 is approximately 120 miles from Rockall where two Greenpeace activists continue their occupation of the small rock at the heart of the Atlantic Frontier.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Greenpeace Press Office on ++ 44 (0)171-865 8255/6/7/8