Update from the Rainbow Warrior: Police confrontation on day three

27 February, late. We have just been overpowered by police forces.

Around 1715 hours two police boats, four zodiacs and a Navy tug boat steamed out of the Sete harbour. They quickly surrounded the Agia Irene and set to work removing two activists from the anchor chain. The police cut the fuel line on one of our zodiacs and threw canisters of tear gas into the boats (listen to the audio). The Irene heaved her anchor and steamed toward the Sete port as the Rainbow Warrior followed close behind. Our climbers were still on board the vessel.

As the Irene entered the harbour she found our zodiacs, canoes (launched from the ship when we heard the police were coming) and a floating line blocking the entrance (audio update). This delayed the Irene until police removed the line and arrested the activists. Meanwhile, we deployed a land-based team in the harbour and managed to get two climbers up into one of the cranes. The harbour was chaotic for over one hour as evening came and the Greenpeace zodiacs and French special police forces played cat and mouse.

As it became dark the police removed the climbers on the Irene and on the cranes. Police divers were deployed to remove our activists who deliberately capsized their canoes and hid underneath. The sheer numbers of riot police present in the harbour was impressive.

By 2000 hours ten activists from the Warrior and the land-based French team were arrested and held in the Maritime Police Station in Sete.

5:15 pm. We've been told from shore that the police are on their way - 43 men in black, they report. We're ready.

3:40 pm. The police seem to be preparing for something. A military tug-boat has anchored itself near the Warrior, and our crew are preparing themselves for a confrontation with police. Listen to Pete's latest audio update.

8:00 am. Sete, France. We are playing the waiting game. Despite reports that the police had mustered in the harbour yesterday afternoon, they have not made their move. The log ship Agia Irene is still here at anchor just a few kilometres outside Sete, immobilised by our occupation of her anchor chain. We spent the night, again, rotating the activists on the ship. Everyone aboard the Rainbow Warrior is tired, but we are prepared to continue this action for as long as it takes.

This morning we are faced with dense fog. While it impedes our ability to keep an eye on the Irene, we suspect it will also slow the police. Activists have maintained their positions on the log boat for 52 hours now.

Updates from day two >

Updates from day one >