Some protesters removed from East Ambition

Police, working with New Zealand Fire Service personnel and private contractors, have removed five Greenpeace protesters from two of the towers on board the East Ambition, which docked in Tauranga Harbour earlier this evening.

 

The Police team utilised a crane and cage and were raised four storeys above the ground to cut the cables that secured the protesters to the ship’s steel cables extending from its cranes.

 

The five protesters have been charged with illegally boarding a vessel. Three protesters had already been arrested.

 

Tauranga Area Commander Inspector Mike Clement says he is keen for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible, however, safety remains of paramount concern.

 

“Even though the ship is no longer at sea, we are still dealing with significant height considerations and we will take as long as we need to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and protesters alike.”