Reports from the Shell supply ship occupation in Killybegs

Monday July 06, 2009 15:25

by Text- Fin Dwyer, Steph Images - Niall Harnett Audio - Andrew - Shell to Sea

Images, text and audio from ongoing occupation of the Toisa Independent

Today Shell to sea protestors broke through a weak spot in the armada deployed to defend the Solitaire - the supply port in Killybegs.

One S2S activist occupies tyre at side of Shell ship in Killybegs

The Solitaire whilst being an enormous ship is dependent on a constant flow of ships bringing supplies from Killybegs in Donegal. This morning seven kayakers paddled out to the ship, the Toisa Independent, which was being loaded with a fresh batch of pipes for the Solitaire. With very little security the seven paddled up to the boat and as we speak one of the Kayakers is blocking the ship from departing after climbing aboard.

After a weekend where the Sunday papers carried on the usual barrage against Shell to Sea with many claiming the campaign to be over Shell to Sea answered back in style today. The past fortnight saw the Erris area occupied by 200 Shell's private security IRMS, 300 Gardai (including 150 public order units), the navy backed up by a helicopter and an aeroplane. Todays actions have shown the campaign is far from over

This week sees the state harrasment and intimidation of the campaign step up a gear with over two dozen Shell to sea protestors being hauled before the courts on trumped up charges. Whilst the State and Shell continue to believe heavy handed bully-boy tactics.

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Attached audio file is live mobile phone interview with occupation

Approaching Shell supply ship