Notices served on protest flotilla to restrict movement

Police have this afternoon served notices on the protest flotilla off the East Cape to ensure boats do not get too close to the survey ship or its support vessel.

Superintendent Barry Taylor, Operations Group, Police National Headquarters, said police officers on Navy rigid hull inflatable boats visited the protest fleet this afternoon. The skippers were all served notices under section 55 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 which requires the protest boats to get no closer than 250m from the bow and stern and 200m from the port and starboard sides of the Ocean Explorer and Ocean Pioneer.

“The notices were served to ensure the safety of people and property are not endangered,” he said.

Failure to comply could incur a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.

“We’ve assured all parties that the safety of individuals is a top priority. We also want to ensure that the lawful rights to protest and for companies to go about their lawful business are understood and respected.

“We’ll continue to talk with Greenpeace and the protest flotilla, along with all parties involved in this operation.”